Duke Blue Devil's.

Game 680.

545 PM PST/8:45 PM EST.

There is no question both Houston and Duke have earned the right to be in the Final Four. They sported two of the best records in college basketball this season, and from their season-openers straight on through to the postseason, and into this Tournament they have dominated just about all comers. I think the big difference here would be depth and coaching. I give an edge in both of those categories to the Blue Devils. Yes, they also score a few more points on offense, are more accurate overall from the floor, and are better from the free-throw line as well. They're also a little bit stronger on the offensive glass, folks. I feel second-chance opportunities is going to be huge in this specific matchup. We all know how good the Cougars defense is, ranking No. 1 in the nation. But the Blue Devils “D” is just as frustrating. They're also just as tough on the defensive glass. Please understand, while I think Houston is one of the best teams in the nation, they've only been made an underdog once this entire season. That's got a weigh on them psychologically here. Oh, by the way, not only has Duke only lost one game since the end of November, they've also been covering quite a bit as well, as they finished their regular season covering seven straight games, and have covered four of their last five in the playoffs/postseason. Take Duke. Thank You.

Boise State Broncos.

Game 670.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Sports fans, the seat CBC is proving to be an exciting Tournament, and today in the Butler/Boise State matchup, I think we're gonna’ see another good game. Butler just took down Utah on Monday, 86-84, as a 3.5-point underdog. That was only their second win and cover over their last seven games. Boise State took down George Washington on Monday with authority, crushing them by 30, 89-59 as an 8.5-point favorite. That was their eighth straight up victory over their last 10 outings, and their seventh cover during that span. I know the Bulldogs play in a more physical conference, and have three very strong forwards upfront. But the Broncos defense is stifling, yielding just 66.3-points per game, and when they have stepped out of their conference, they’ve held nonconference opponents scores very low. By the way, they also have a very strong front court of three starting forwards, and rotate in a few others. Believe it or not, they are also better on the offensive side in the scoring, shoot better from the free-throw line, are better from the three-point line, and superior at both ends of the court on the boards. Take Boise State here. Thank you.

Auburn Tigers.

Crusher Play.

Game 646.

2:05 PM PM PST/5:05 PM EST.

While Michigan State has played some very solid basketball recently, yesterday’s matchup against Mississippi blue-printed a way to actually beat them. And that way is tailor-made for Auburn to take advantage. It is by no accident the Tigers are the No. 1 seed in the south. This is a team that owns an overall record of 31-5, and has covered 20 of their 36 lined games this season. Both defenses can be frustrating. But the Auburn offense is more explosive, far superior, far more accurate, and better from downtown. They have a little bit more muscle upfront as well. I think that'll be a big difference here in this matchup take the Tigers. Thank you.

Tennessee Volunteers.

Hight Roller.

Game 647.

11:20 AM PST/2:20 PM EST.

Odds makers don't have to make a line sharp. They just have to make it enticing to take wagers on both sides of the game. That is the case in this matchup. While Houston deserves to be a small favorite here, Tennessee matches up with them very well. There is no question the Cougars are a fan favorite, thus compelling odds makers to inflate their numbers. They had some problems against Gonzaga and Purdue in this tournament. Meanwhile Tennessee absolutely devoured both UCLA and Kentucky in the Big Dance. Both teams score about the same. And yes, the Houston defense tops the nation. However, the Volunteers "D" isn't far behind them. They are just as frustrating, and just as good on the glass. This game is gonna’ come down to the final possessions. I think the line is a little bit off. Take Tennessee. Thank you.

Alabama Crimson Tide.

Slam Dunk Play.

Game 641.

5:45 PM PST/8:45 PM EST.

Without question, Duke is a very talented basketball team, and are playing incredibly right now. But very simply, this is way too many points to give a very talented Alabama opponent. For starters, if they win here, this will be the first Final Four appearance for the Blue Devils since Coach K was at the helm. However, the Crimson Tide made it to the Final Four last season. At both ends of the court Duke possesses great numbers, particularly on the defensive side. However, they match up here against the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation, averaging over 91.1 points per game, along with the second-best college basketball offensive rebounding group out there. They are extremely accurate, and possess the big men upfront to give them the added muscle they need to content here. Both teams have talented back courts. But I really feel giving the Crimson Tide, and they're explosive offense this many points is a mistake. Take Alabama. Thank you.

Florida Gator.

Bookie Buster Play

Game 632.

4:35 PM PST/7:35 PM EST.

I wanna’ give a big shout out to the Maryland terrapins as they finished the regular season in second-place in the very competitive Big Ten Conference, and they’ve played very well in this tournament. Tallying a record of 27-8, we have watched them place in amazing basketball at times this season. But at times we have also watched them play some less than stellar basketball as well. I wouldn’t exactly classify them as inconsistent. But I really don't feel they’re in the class of their opponent they face here today. During the regular season there were an underdog against Purdue in early-December, losing and failing to cover. They were a ‘dog against Oregon at the beginning January, covering the number but losing outright. They did win and cover as a doggie at Illinois towards the end of January. But once again, the beginning of February as a ‘dog, they lost and failed to cover at Ohio State. I think we all watched back at the beginning of this month when they took down Michigan on the road as they're biggest victory this season. But they have not gone up against a team this postseason that they were not favored over. Yes, they beat Illinois in their conference tournament opener. But then lost to Michigan. In this tournament, they played Grand Canyon and Colorado State, teams they were favored by 9.5 and 8.5-points. I just don't see this team facing the level of competition and stepping up that they're going to face and need to step up to today. By the way they're also just 19-16 against the spread this season. The Florida Gators are the No. 1 seed in the West regional. They are 32-4 overall, and have covered 26 of their 36 outings. They enter this matchup taking no prisoners. This is a monster team, folks. They've only dropped four games this season, as I mentioned a moment ago. They've also covered 20 of their final 25 regular season games. Then they went through the postseason, crushing everybody in their way. The Terrapins can score, and have a good defense. But they're going up against a team with a better offense, a deeper team, a superior rebounding core, and a more frustrating defense as well. I just don't see them competing in the matchup at all. I think this line should be at least 8 to 10-points. So, I will take Florida. Thank you.

Alabama Crimson Tide.

No Limit.

Game 862.

3:10 PM PST/6:10 PM EST.

Playing in the SEC, and averaging over 91.1-points per game offensively, in my opinion trumps playing in the WCC, and allowing just 60.8-points per game. Here we see the nations top-scoring offense go up against a top-five defense. But on a regular basis the Crimson Tide certainly face better opponents than the Gaels. They're also the second-best team in college basketball on the offensive glass, giving them a lot of second-chance opportunities. They shoot better from the free-throw line, and hit over 48.3% overall from the floor. This is an accurate team. I think this game might be competitive for a little bit. But Alabama has way too much talent. Take the Crimson Tide. Thank you.

Duke Blue Devils.

Slam Dunk Play.

Game 858.

11:40 AM PST/2:40 PM EST.

Duke is taking no prisoners this season, accumulating an overall record of 35-3 and covering 21 of the 31 lined games, and playing in their own backyard here, will give the team a boost. They have laid double-digits 27 times this season, covering 19 of the 27. On both sides of the court, they are spectacular. They are significantly better from beyond the arc as well as a free-throw lines, and I just don't see Baylor competing on the boards here. If you're concerned about the number, don't be. The Bears have lost by double-digits six times this season: Gonzaga crushed by 38, Tennessee wins by 15, Iowa State routed by 19, Arizona wins by 11, Texas Tech dumped them by 14, and Houston dumped them by 11 as well. I also expect the Blue Devils to come in here with fresher legs as they had a much easier time in their last outing, decimating the Mountaineers by 44, while the Bears had a tough outing, squeaking by the Bulldogs by three. By the way, Duke has covered nine of their last 11, while Baylor has failed to cover 13 of their last 16. Take the Blue Devils. Thank you.

UConn Huskies.

Crusher Play.

Game 859.

9:10 PM PST/12:10 PM EST.

This is way too many points to give a Huskies squad with a stifling defense, and a monster core of rebounders. They also hit almost 80% from the line. Big edge there. Tale Connecticut. Thank you

Tennessee Volunteers.

Game 822.

6:40 PM PST/9:40 PM EST.

I'm going to keep this breakdown just like me, short and sweet LOL. UCLA is a good team. But they struggled this season in Big Ten play when facing top conference opponents, and physical opponents as well. I just don't see them matching up in anyway with Tennessee. The Volunteers are a monster team That have no problem beating down opponents. It's true, once December arrived, they were erratic against the spread, and towards the end of the regular season, they were just downright crushing anybody who bet on them. But the odds makers were inflating their lines, my friends. Don't fall for that trap here. Their defense is stifling. That rank 11th on the defensive side in points allowed, third in field goal percentage allowed, first in three-point percentage allowed, and 18th on the defensive boards, and they went up against some very tough offenses this season. The Bruins just don't have the offense to measure up here. Yes, they have a pretty good defense themselves. But not enough to contain the Volunteers for double-digit scorers. This is a team that's just as talented upfront as they are in the backcourt. I think this game gets ugly. Take Tennessee. Thank you.

Creighton Blue Jays.

Game 819.

4:40 PM PST/7:40 PM EST.

Sportsbetting isn't about who wins. It is about who covers. Let's face it, we're not in this for fun. We're in this to make money. And I'm here to tell you Auburn is giving way too many points to Creighton in this matchup. While the Tigers are a very good team, I feel the odds makers are overvaluing them as they have failed to cover five straight, and seven of the last nine outings. Creighton enters this matchup covering five of their last seven, and playing some very competitive basketball. Ryan Kalkbrenner is going to be a major factor here. The 7’1”, 270-lb, center is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Auburn relies heavily on their team playing physical basketball down low. Let's face it, both defenses allow about the same. Yes, the Tigers do score more. But the Blue Jays are just as accurate, and just about as good from both the free-throw, and three-point areas. Both teams are solid on the boards. I think this game is a lot more evenly matched up than what the line is reflecting. This is way too many points. Take Creighton. Thank you.

Drake Bulldogs.

Game 825.

3:10 PM PST/8:10 PM EST.

This matchup is being played in Wichita, Kansas. The Drake Bulldogs didn't just take the regular season and tournament crowns in the Missouri Valley, they also amassed a record of 31-3 overall this season. As a road team, they were excellent, winning nine of their 10 as a visitor. This is a team that took down Miami, Florida Atlantic, Vanderbilt, and Kansas State during the regular season. And you saw what they did to Missouri just two days ago. By the way, they are red-hot, winning 19 of their last 20 games played straight up. They've also covered three of four matchups in the playoffs/ postseason. They have a great back court, and an offense overall that ranks 20th, hitting over 48.6% from the floor. That would be enough for me to raise an eyebrow here. But they rank second nationally on defense, yielding just 59.2-points per game, and they are the top defensive rebounding core in the nation. Yes, Texas Tech deserves to be here. But I feel because they are mediocre on the boards at both ends of the court, they're going get a lot of second-chance opportunities taken away from them. They will also give their opponent a lot of second-chance opportunities as well. They do shoot pretty well from outside. But they face a very frustrating “D” from downtown. This is way too many points. Take Drake. Thank you.

Michigan State.

Game 788.

7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST.

After seeing a couple of very close games in yesterday’s Rd. 1 matchups, and of course McNeese State besting Clemson, I doubt very much Michigan State will take this game lightly. I am aware most of the money is coming in on Bryant. But this team has only stepped up in class twice this season, and got crushed in both outings. They faced Saint John's in mid-December, and lost by 22, and two weeks later faced Grand Canyon, and lost by 46. Those are the only two teams they had to worry about, and they lost badly in both contests. The Spartans crushed everybody in their way this season, particularly in their own conference against some very, very strong teams. Bryant is all about the offense, averaging over 82.1-points per game. They're also pretty good on the offensive glass as well. But that's where their strengths end. They go up against one of the most frustrating defenses in the country, that also ranks as one of the best on the defensive boards. That would be enough for me to raise an eyebrow here. However, the Spartans put up almost 80 PPG themselves, hit over 78% from the free-throw line, and are one of the best in the nation, ranking 11th on the offensive glass. Right now, neither of these teams know who they will play in the next round as the winner will go up against the Marquette/New Mexico winner. So, I don't see MSU looking ahead here either. I think they come out, take no prisoners, and send Bryant home very early. Take the Spartans. Thank you.

Connecticut Huskies.

Game 784.

6:25 PM PST/9:25 PM EST.

Both Connecticut and Oklahoma will have their hands full in this matchup, and I doubt very much either will be in a look ahead mode with a probable matchup in the next round vs. Florida. The Huskies are 14-4 in Big Dance games under Dan Hurley. The coach brought them two National Titles over the last two seasons. This is familiar territory for the team. While Oklahoma is a formidable foe, they really hit a snag in the second half of their season. They began the regular season winning their first 13 contests. However, they finished the regular season dropping 12 of their final 18 outings. While they played well in the playoffs taking down Georgia and losing a one-point heartbreaker at the hands of Kentucky, this team just doesn't measure up here. Yes, they have covered their last seven outings. But this is a whole different monster facing the very physical UConn squad. The Huskies played well out of the conference, taking down such notables as the Baylor Bears, Texas Longhorns, and Gonzaga Bulldogs. They also held their own finishing third in the very competitive, Big East conference. They finished their regular season winning four in a row straight up, and covering their final three games. They devoured Villanova in the postseason, only to be embarrassed taking a nine-point loss as a four-point favorite in their last game against Creighton. I feel they bounce back here strong, and get back on track to compete for another National Title. Both teams have been running with three big men, and two guards as a starting lineup in the playoffs. This will be a big advantage for the Huskies. While both teams average about the same and scoring offensively, Oklahoma has a slight edge, both from downtown, and from the free-throw line. However, Connecticut possesses a swarming, and frustrating defense that allows a mere, 68.0-points per game, and rank second nationally on the defensive boards. They will take away a lot of their opponents second-chance opportunities here. They're also monsters on the offensive glass as well, giving themselves more second-chance opportunities. They’re are way too big, and way too strong in this matchup. BTW, this game is being played in Raleigh, North Carolina, you will see quite a few more Connecticut fans. BTW, they are also a better road team going 7-4 away from home compared to Okie, who went 2-7 on the road. Take the Huskies. Thank you.

Saint Mary’s.

Game 790.

12:15 PM PST/3:15 PM EST.

They say offense gets the glory, but defense gets the win. St. Mary's possesses one of the best defenses in college basketball today, ranking fifth in the nation, yielding just 60.8-points per game. They allow just 40.8% overall from the floor, 31.6% from downtown, and rank fourth in the nation on the defensive boards. When it comes to defense, Vanderbilt has none. They're absolutely deplorable at the stop end of the court. They rely solely upon their offense, which does account for over 79.7-points per game. However, they are not very good overall in shooting percentage from the floor, three-point percentage, or even from the free-throw line. They're also atrocious on the offensive boards. They do have three double-digits scorers. But so does the Gaels. This is also a team that disposed of opponents like Nebraska, USC, and Utah in nonconference competition this regular season. Remarkably, they haven't allowed a single opponent in their 33 games played, to post better than 75 points. They have too much defensively. Not to forget, a very experienced team, and a very experienced coach. Take Saint Mary's. Thank you.

Memphis Tigers.

Game 806.

11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EST.

How about the No. 5 seed getting points against the No. 12 seed? It puzzles me as well, my friends. While Colorado State is getting most of the money from the general public, and does come in here red-hot, winning and covering 10 straight games, Memphis has been playing well themselves. They have won 16 of their last 17 straight up. Granted, they are not very good against the number. But this team has a lot of talent. Maybe many out there have forgotten that during the regular season they took down Missouri, UNLV, San Francisco, Connecticut, Michigan State, Clemson, Virginia, and Mississippi. They are no strangers to stepping up in big game situations. By the way, Colorado state got embarrassed by Mississippi in a mid-November matchup. Not only that, but they also lost to some other teams they should've played well against. Both teams play in competitive conferences, and both finished pretty well in their perspective conferences. While the Rams account for 75.3-points per game, and only allow 67.1-points per game, the Tigers post over 80.0-points per game, and allow just 73.0-points per game. They are much better at both ends of the court on the boards as well, with a bigger, and stronger front court. Oh, by the way, they're also monsters from downtown. I think the wrong team is favored here. They are also 10-2 as a visitor this season. Take Memphis. Thank you.

St. John's Red Storm.

Game 752.

6:45 PM PST/9:45 PM EST.

The Red Storm is in the Big Dance for the first time since 2019. They have a coach who has been to the Final Four seven times, and has walked away with two National Titles. They play in one of the most competitive, and most physical conferences in college basketball, and they finished with both, the regular season, and Conference Tournament Crowns. This is a team that has won nine straight games, covering all three in the postseason. They are no strangers to laying big numbers. I mean, they've covered double-digits against Fordham, Quinnipiac, Virginia, Kansas State, Bryant, DePaul, Seton Hall twice, and Butler. They have no problems crushing lesser opponents. Meanwhile, with all respect to the Summit League’s top-team, the Omaha Mavericks have failed miserably when they step up in class. Yes, they covered against Minnesota and UNLV early on this season. But they got crushed by Northern Iowa and Iowa State. Let's face it, they also took a bad beating by Abilene Christian as well. They have won and covered all three of their playoff matchups, too. But playing an opponent like they're going to see in the opening round, who has lost just one game in 2025, is going to be fatal for this team. The Red Storm will have to play either the Razorbacks or the Jayhawks in the next round. I believe they'll come out here to make a statement, not just to their next opponent, but to the entire West Regional. I feel coach Rick Pitino is going to take no prisoners here. Take St. John's. Thank you.

Drake Bulldogs.

Game 765.

4:35 PM PST/7:35 PM EST.

Of all the Thursday games, I feel this just might be the one in which the line is most off. Yes, I am aware Missouri plays in the SEC, and owns an overall record of 22-11. But they really struggled down the road. They dropped their final three regular season games, and got humiliated by Florida in their last outing. They have failed to cover four of their last five overall matchups. Yes, they started the campaign off on fire. But then the end of December came, and they started struggling. Granted, the Missouri Valley isn't the SEC. But the Drake Bulldogs took the regular season crown, and the Conference Tournament Title as well. They finished with an overall record of 30-3. Something that I checked, and rechecked was Drake stepping up in class four times this regular season. All four times they won outright. They took down Miami by 11, FAU by 12, Vanderbilt by 11, and Kansas State by three. By the way, they kept all four of those opponents to 70-points or less. You may not realize this, but this team possesses the No. 2 overall defense in the nation, allowing just 59.2-points per game. They are also monsters at defending the arc, and own the No. 1 defensive rebounding core in college basketball. Yes, Missouri possesses as a top-10 offense, accounting for over 84.5-points per game. But their defense leaves a lot to be desired, and they really do rely upon their outside shooting. Not only that, but the Tigers are absolutely horrible on the offensive boards. That is where this game will be won, as their opponent will take away a lot of second-chance opportunities. I think this line should be a lot lower. Take Drake. Thank you.

Tennessee Volunteers.

Game 760.

3:50 PM PST/6:50 PM EST.

Wofford and Tennessee met in November of 2023, as the Volunteers prevailed 82-61. The Terriers are a good team. Let's face it, they have won and covered all three of their postseason games thus far. But looking at their regular season schedule, they've only stepped up in class twice. They got decimated in mid-November by the Duke Blue Devils, 86-35. They did get an outright three-point victory over the St. Louis Billikens a month later. But I think we can all agree, the Billikens not really a formidable foe. I think we can also all agree the Southern Conference cannot compare in any way to the Southeastern Conference. Wofford finished 10-8 in conference play this season, and sported an overall record of 19-15. Tennessee finished fourth in the SEC, going 12-6 in league play, enroute to an overall record of 27-7. When this team played lesser opponents earlier on in the schedule, they devoured them. They took down Webber by 16, Montana by 35, Austin Peay by 35, Tennessee Martin by 43, Western Carolina by 48, Middle Tennessee by 18, and Norfolk by 15. They are not afraid to run up the score. They are also no strangers to covering double-digits point spreads. Please remember they took down some great teams this season with authority as well. The list is so long, I'll save you the death toll. Losing to the Gators in their last outing is going to further motivate this team. They will send a message to the rest of the Midwest representatives here. They possess one of the most frustrating defenses in the nation, allowing just 63.1-points per game, on 38.2% shooting overall from the floor, and just 27.8% from beyond the arc. They will also dominate the boards as well. They will crush it. Take Tennessee. Thank you.

Dayton Flyers.

Game 717.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Sports fans, there is no way the Flyers should be underdog here or even a Pickem. They should definitely be at least a basket or two favorite. This is a very good basketball team. They enter this matchup winning seven of their last 10 straight up, and two of their last three against the spread. Meanwhile, Florida Atlantic comes in here dropping five of their last eight straight up, and only covering two of their last 10 overall. Dayton has taken down such notables this season as Northwestern, Connecticut, Marquette, UNLV, Saint Louis, and Virginia Commonwealth. They also hung in tight dropping a late-November matchup on a neutral site against North Carolina, covering but losing 92-90. Not to mention they lost by five getting double-digits against Iowa State the next day. When this team steps up, they play very strong. Meanwhile, FAU lost early to Central Florida, College of Charleston, Drake, Seton Hall, and even Florida Gulf Coast. They took beatings from Michigan State, Memphis twice, North Texas twice Wichita, and UAB. They have been point spread poison this season, covering just 12 of 32 overall contests. Their defense has been getting steamrolled. I just don't see them competing on the boards in this match up either. The Flyers have kept some solid opponents at bay on the scoreboard. I feel they'll do the same here. This line is off. Take Dayton. Thank you.

Tennessee Volunteers.

Game 613.

10:00 AM PST/1:00 PM EST.

I feel the line here should be at most a basket or so. Especially because it is being played in Nashville. These two SEC powerhouses are both monster teams. As you know, Auburn took the regular season crown, going 15-3 in conference play, while Tennessee was a very respectable, 12-6 against SEC opponents this season. Yes, the Tigers took the only meeting this season over the Volunteers, 53-51 at home back at the end of January. But Tennessee has won three of the last five meetings SU and covered three of the last five ATS, which includes ATS covers in the last two most recent matchups. They also enter this game a lot hotter, winning nine of their last 11 SU, while Auburn dropped two of their last three SU. Yes, it's true, neither team has been consistent against the number recently. However, the Tigers have failed to cover three in a row, and five of their last seven games. Overall, we have got one of the best offenses in the country going against one of the best defenses. The Tigers account for over 85.2-points per game. But defensively they give up a lot of points. Meanwhile, the Volunteers have a solid offense, for sure. But it is their defense which has brought them success this season ranking seventh in the nation, and allowing a mere 62.0-points per game, also ranking first in field goal percentage allowed, and second in three-point percentage allowed. By the way, they're also better on the defensive boards, which will give their opponent less second-chance opportunities. One more item folks: Tennessee had a much easier time yesterday taking down Texas, 83-72. A game in which they had in hand from the opening tip off. Meanwhile, Auburn had a very tough time with the pesky Mississippi opponent, eking out of five-point victory. But once again failing to cover. Take the points with the Volunteers. Thank you.

Florida Gators.

Game 838.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

I'm not a big fan of laying big numbers, especially in these conference tournaments. But Florida comes in here well rested, winning and covering, and looking for a little revenge. The Gators have not taken the court since March 8. They are also on a great run, going 9-1 both straight up and against the spread their last 10 games. Not only that, but this is a team that hasn't suffered too many losses this season. One of those losses was against the Tigers at home in their only matchup this season back in mid-January. It was a heartbreaker in which they lost 83-82 late in the game. Florida has been money to sports bettor’s most of the season, covering 23 of their 31 outings. Not only that, but this is a team that covers big numbers. They have covered 12 of their last 14 games played being favored of 8.5 for more points. Don't get me wrong, Missouri can play. But playing back-to-back days against a team like they're going to face today is going to be tough for them. Remember, this is a team that lost four of their last six, both straight up and against the number. While they do have a strong, deep team, they just don't have the defense. Both teams rank in the top-10 in scoring, and both are pretty good from downtown. But Florida’s defense allows a mere 68.2 points per game on 39.5% shooting, and ranks in the top-10 at defending the three. I'll take the Gators here. Thank you.

St. John's Red Storm.

Game 850.

3:30 PM PST/6:30 PM EST.

My friends, St. John's took both meetings against Marquette this season, straight up and against the spread. Granted, the early-February matchup they took by four-points, and the early-March matchup they took in overtime by two-points. However, the Golden Eagles have been point spread poison, failing to cover three in a row, and seven of their last 10, while the Red Storm have covered five of their last six. Both teams played yesterday as Marquette went to the mat in a tough, physical two-point victory over Xavier. Meanwhile, St. John's had a much easier time crushing Butler by 21-points. In both meetings this season the Red Storm outrebounded the Golden Eagles. They are much stronger on the offensive boards, giving them more second-chance opportunities, and their defense is certainly more frustrating. One more item folks: St. John’s is perfect at home this season at 18-0, and playing at home this season at Carnesecca Arena. Playing in Madison Square Garden is their second-home. Take SJU. Thank you.

Colorado State Rams.

Game 782.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

I think the line is way off in this matchup. I understand Nevada is playing in their home state. But here in Las Vegas, they despise the Wolfpack. They enter this matchup losing three in a row, and seven of the last 10 matchups with the Rams. They have lost and failed to cover the last three, including both this season. This is a team that does not travel well, and has not played well at all against conference opponents. Meanwhile CSU is on fire, winning and covering seven straight, and eight of their last nine overall games. I must tell you, this line is way short. The Rams account for more points on offense, give up less points on defense, are much better on the boards, and significantly stronger from the line. I see them winning by about double-digits. Take CSU. Thank you.

Xavier Musketeers.

Game 740.

11:30 AM PST/2:30 PM EST.

Both Marquette and Xavier last played on March 8, and should come in here with fresh legs. The Musketeers took the most recent meeting between these two conference rivals back in mid-January on the road, 59-57. As a matter of fact, both matchups this season were settled by two-points. The Golden Eagles haven't been so golden, losing and failing to cover their last two outings. Meanwhile, Xavier is red-hot, winning seven in a row, and covering five of those seven contests. The difference here is the stellar outside, and far better free-throw shooting by the Musketeers. Thanks Xavier plus the points. Thank you.

Arkansas Razorbacks.

Game 769.

10:00 AM PST/1:00 PM EST.

Arkansas enters this matchup coming off a big, 72-68 win against South Carolina yesterday, while Mississippi hasn't stepped on the court since March 8, a road defeat at the hands of Florida, 90-71. That loss was their fourth over their last six games straight up, and there seventh over their last eight games against the spread. They did take down the Razorbacks in the only matchup this season back at the beginning of January on the road, 73-66. But Arkansas enters this match up hotter, winning five of their last six straight up, and five of their last seven against the number. Yes, the Rebels possess six double-digit scorers. But only account for 1.0 more PPG than their opponent. I do see a mismatch on the boards here. The Razorbacks come in here hotter, and ride momentum from yesterday's win. By the way, the game wasn't as close as the score against the Gamecocks. They had a 20-point lead at one point, and just started pulling their starters to keep them fresh for today's contest. Take the points with the Razorbacks. Thank you.

Syracuse Orange

Game 653.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

I'd like to discuss a late game being played in the Atlantic Coast Conference tonight as Syracuse and SMU face off at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. These two teams met once this season, just eight days ago where the Mustangs were a 13.0-point favorite at home, and eked out a two-point victory, 77-75. I know there's a big difference between their records as Syracuse is 14-18 overall, and SMU, is a very respectable, 22-9 on the campaign. But the Orange enter this matchup, winning their last two, covering three in a row, and six of their last seven. Meanwhile, I think it would be safe to say the Mustangs are point spread poison, failing to cover six of their last seven outings. Syracuse has a very big, very strong frontcourt, and they really do run with four big men most of the time. SMU just doesn't have the muscle down low to cover this number in this matchup. Yes, statistically they put up better numbers on both sides of the court, and hit 38% from downtown. But I just think this is way too many points to give a team like the Orange who, let's face it are a scrappy squad. Too many points here. Play the doggie here. (Woof Woof). Take ‘Cuse and take your bookmakers money. Thank you.

Kansas State Wildcats.

Game 659

4:00 PM PST 11:00 PM EST.

These teams met only once this season as Baylor took a home meeting back in the third week of January, 70-62. But not only did Kansas State cover that matchup, they also won the three previous meetings, and covered all three of those as well. One thing for sure about the Bears, they have been overvalued by oddsmakers this season, only covering one of their last 10, and three of their last 17 overall contests. Yes, on paper they put up some better numbers. But I do feel Baylor is being overvalued by the oddsmakers again. Take Kansas State. Thank you.

Kentucky Wildcats.

Game 909.

9:00 AM PST/12:00 PM EST.

Kentucky still has a lot of prove to both the pollsters as well as themselves, and must finish out the regular season on a high note. This is the team that's covered five of their last eight overall outings. I am aware Missouri is 18-1 at home this season. But they are showing signs of cracking, as have dropped three of the last four, both straight up and against the number. The Wildcats, even without guard Robinson (sidelined due to injury for several weeks), possess five double-digit scorers. They also have a big inside presence, and are monsters that both ends of the court on the boards. Both teams can score, that's for sure. The big difference here is the fact Kentucky is both better from the free-throw line, and much stronger at defending the arc. I feel that will be the difference in this match up, and giving them this many points is a mistake. Take the Wildcats. Thank you.

Michigan State.

Game 767.

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

The No. 8 Michigan State squad clinched a share of the Big Ten regular season championship on Wednesday without even playing a game. They can win it outright tonight with a victory over Iowa. Michigan took a home loss last night to Maryland to ensure the Spartans at least a piece of their first conference title since the 2019/2020 season. A loss tonight by MSU would give Michigan a chance to share the regular season crown. To add to the drama, the in-state rivals meet on Sunday in their regular season finale. Having said that, the Spartans are riding a five-game win streak, both straight up and against the spread, in which their defense has not allowed a single opponent to put up better than 66-points on the scoreboard. Not only that, but during that span, they have won and covered all three games played as a visitor. On the other hand, Iowa has struggled, dropping seven of their last nine straight up, and only covering one of their last 13 outings. They have been absolute point spread poison, folks. Just going backwards in their recent losses, they lost by 11 to Northwestern, 20 to Illinois, two to Oregon, 26 to Maryland, 11 to Wisconsin, nine to Purdue, 17 to Ohio State, five to Minnesota, 16 to UCLA, and 10 to USC. Yes, the Hawkeyes had a very solid frontcourt of Freeman and Sandfort, combining for 32.8 points per game and 12.9 rebounds per game this season. But they lost Freeman back on January 27, coincidentally, when the team started sliding. Their trio of starting guards are outclassed here as well. While both teams score about the same, the Spartans defense allows only 66.6 points per game, and overall, this squad are monsters at both ends of the court on the boards. Oh, by the way, there's also a double revenge factor as Iowa took the last two meetings in this rivalry. I look for Michigan State to win with authority here. Thank you.

Liberty Flames.

Game 759.

4:30 PM PST/7:30 PM EST.

I've said it before, and I will say it again; it doesn't have to be a major conference in college basketball for you to make money in it. Today I want to talk about a Conference USA matchup between the second and third best teams in the league, as the Liberty Flames and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders square off against one another. Both teams are sitting at 11-5 in conference play this season. But the Flames did take the only meeting back in the beginning of January at home, 73-63. They are an excellent road team, going in 7-2 as a visitor, while Middle Tennessee State is 10-3 at the Murphy Center on the campaign. The Flames come off a loss following a six-game straight up win streak, while the Blue Raiders enter this matchup riding a three-game straight up hot streak. Both offenses are loaded with talent. Both have talented back courts, and strong front courts. Both possess four double-digit scorers. The difference you're going to see here is on the defensive side of the court, where Liberty ranks in the top-10 nationally, yielding just 61.7 points per game, allowing a mere 40% shooting from the floor, and are the No. 1 team in college basketball from the arc, allowing just 27.7% from downtown. To make matters worse on the opposite side of the court, there're a top-25 three-point shooting team themselves. That's going to be be the big difference in this contest. This is a big game for them. They could, at the very least solidify a No. 2 spot for sure. But if they win out their last two regular season games, and the top team in the division, Jacksonville State runs into any issues with Kennesaw State two days from now, because they took down the Gamecocks already, they would win the tiebreaker, and take over the No. 1 seed in the Conference USA. I put a lean on the Flames here to burn the Blue Raiders. Thank you.

BYU Cougars.

Game 649.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

Two teams that are looking to better their situation in the Big 12 face each other this evening in the Iowa State/BYU matchup. The national rankings currently have the Cyclones ranked 10th in the nation, while the Cougars are 23rd. I am aware BYU is just 5-5 on the road, while Iowa State is 15-1 at home. But I do feel the Cyclones are overvalued by the oddsmakers as they have covered just four their last 10 overall outings, which does include just two of five played at the James H. Hilton Coliseum. Meanwhile BYU is not just winning, they are covering as they are on a six-game SU/ATS hot streak. They have also covered four of their last five as a visitor. Last March's matchup saw the home team, Cyclones prevail 68-63. I feel this is way too many points to give the Cougars as they do match up pretty well on both sides of the court here. Take BYU. Thank you.

New Mexico Lobos.

Game 655.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

New Mexico is perched atop the Mountain West at 15-3 in conference play. Just behind them at 14-4 sits Colorado State, followed by Utah State at 14-5, and then tied at 13-5 is San Diego State and Boise state. They need to keep their foot on the gas if they want to finish the regular season the top team in the MWC. They have this matchup tonight on the road at Nevada then finish up the regular season at home in a few days against UNLV. They can easily take both of these opponents. Granted, they haven't covered too many games lately, failing to cover their last five straight. But this is a team that knows how to win when they need to. Let's face it, they're 23-6 overall on the campaign, winning nine of their last 11 games straight up. They have also taken the last three meetings against Nevada straight up, covering two of the three. Speaking of the Wolfpack, they come here struggling, going 1-3 both SU and ATS their last four contests. I don't see their mediocre offense, which averages mere 72.9 points per game competing on the scoreboard with the Lobos four double-digit scorers which contribute to their 18th ranked, 82.7 points per game average. At a Pickem, this game is a gift. Take New Mexico. Thank you.

Wisconsin Badgers.

Game 817.

10:30 AM PST/1:30 PM EST.

Both Wisconsin and Michigan State enter this mashup running hot. The Badgers have won seven of their last nine straight up, and eight of their last 10 against the spread, while the Spartans have won and covered four in a row. This is the first time this season these two will face one another. However, Wisconsin has taken the last two meetings both SU/ATS, a season ago. They are also 7-1 ATS their last eight games played on the road, while Michigan State is just 4-4 ATS their last eight games played at home. Both teams have impressive statistics. Both can score, and both have solid defenses. While the Spartans are a little bit better on the boards, the Badgers are certainly better from both, downtown and from the free-throw line. I believe this game is going to get physical, which will definitely benefit the visitor here. Please understand Wiscy has a little bit easier regular season remaining. After this they play on the road at Minnesota, and then at home against Penn State. MSU plays at Iowa next, then finishes their regular season at home against Michigan. This is a very big game for the Badgers, and I think it's going to be a lot closer than the point spread. Take Wisconsin. Thank you.

Arizona Wildcats.

Game 779.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

Arizona sits in second-place in the conference, and wants to keep it that way. After tonight's matchup, they play at home against Arizona State, and then take it on the road to finish the regular season at Kansas. They can certainly win out the rest of their games. They enter this matchup with confidence, knowing they took the only meeting this season with Iowa State, back at the end of January at home, 86-75. In that matchup they dominated the boards, and shot better from the free-throw, and three-point lines, as well as shooting far better overall from the floor. Let's not forget they've also covered four of their last five on the road, while the Cyclones have failed to cover three of their last four at home. I know Iowa State is 14-1 straight up at home this season. But they have lost their last two games straight up, and failed to cover three of their last four overall. By the way, they failed to cover the last two at home. This is way too many points. Take the Wildcats. Thank you.

Creighton Blue Jays.

Game 697.

1:30 PM PST/4:30 PM EST.

Both Creighton and Xavier need victories here. The Blue Jays want to stay one-game ahead of the third-place Golden Eagles. Mathematically, they have a chance of catching the conference’s top team, the Red Storm. But they would have to win their final three games while St. John's would need to lose their final two to tie for a regular season title. Xavier sits in the fifth spot in the Big East. They also need some victories. However, Creighton has taken the last three meetings in this rivalry, covering the last two, which includes a win and cover in the only matchup this season at home back at the end of January, 86-77. They are red-hot winning eight of their last 10 straight up, and covering seven of those 10. By the way, they have also covered seven straight games played on the road. This is huge this time of year. It's true the Musketeers are on a win streak right now. But overall, their last 10 games they have only covering half of those outings, going 5-5 against the number. I believe making them this high of a favorite is a mistake made by the odd makers. Creighton has a little tighter of a defense, and is a little better on the boards. They also possess the best player on the court in center Ryan Kalkbrenner. Take the Blue Jays. Thank you.

BYU Cougars.

Game 745.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

Currently sitting in fifth place in the Big 12 at 10-6 in conference play, BYU can certainly finish in the top-four. After tonight, they have games against West Virginia, Iowa State, and Utah. They can certainly without question win at least three of these contests. That would put them in a good position, or at least in the mix of the top-four. They have won and covered the last three meetings in this rivalry. The two most recent, a 28-point blowout in November 2023, and a 20-point blowout in December 2024. They enter this matchup winning a covering their last four outings, while Arizona State has dropped six of their last seven straight up, and five of those seven against the number. As a matter of fact, the Cougars have won and covered four of their last five as a visitor. This is a team deep with talent, and I just don't see the Sun Devils competing on the scoreboard here. Take BYU. Thank you.

Villanova Wildcats.

Game 725.

5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST.

The Big East is a very physical, and extremely competitive conference. Villanova wasn't expected to do much this season, and yet they are on the right side of a winning record in conference play. They also have an opportunity to finish in the top-four in the Big East. Granted, this is a lot of points to lay, especially on the road in college basketball. But the Wildcats have had their way with the Pirates, taking nine of the last 10 meetings straight up, and seven of those 10 against the spread. This does include the only matchup this season back in mid-December at home, 79-67. One thing for sure, Villanova has been money recently, covering five of their last six contests. Meanwhile, Seton Hall is just dismal, dwelling near the cellar in the Big East at 2-14 in conference play, possessing an overall record of 7-20. They have lost 11 of their last 12 SU, and failing to cover seven of their last 10. This is certainly a game the Wildcat need to win. As a matter of fact, after this matchup tonight, their remaining games are at home against the Bulldogs, before finishing the regular season off on the road at the Hoyas. They can certainly win out the rest of their games. This would certainly put them in the mix for a top-four finish. It is a slim chance. But still a chance for them. I feel they stay competitive here, and beat up on an inferior Seton Hall opponent. Look for them to dominate on the defensive glass, and absolutely pick apart the 320th ranked three-point defense of Seton Hall with their second-ranked three-point shooting offense. Oh, by the way, they're also one of the best free throw shooting teams in the nation. Take Villanova. Thank you.

Kansas State Wildcats.

Game 703.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Both Kansas State and Central Florida need a miracle to get an invite to the Big Dance. Stranger things have happened. But it looks like both are on course for the NIT. Following a six-game winning streak, Kansas State has now dropped three in a row, both SU and ATS. By the way, that hot streak they were on was SU, and also were riding a nine-game cover streak. As far as Central Florida goes, I see them in letdown situation here. They got a win cover in their last outing at home against Utah. That followed a seven-game SU slide, and a six-game ATS no cover run. The Wildcats have a chance at a winning record in the Big 12, as they sit right now at 7-9. Their remaining games are tonight at the Knights, followed by a home game against the Buffaloes, a road game at the Bearcats, then finish the regular season at home against the Cyclones. Only one of those teams currently possess a winning record in conference play. They can certainly finish with a winning record, or at least at .500 mark. Overall, they have a better defense, and are a little stronger at the stop end of the court…quite a bit stronger. Giving them points as a mistake. Take Kansas State. I feel theyw3 in outright. But take the points anyway. Thank you.

Florida Gators.

Oddsmaker's Mistake.

Game 625

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

In my opinion, this line should be closer to or just above double-digits. The gators are looking for the 13th straight win in this series over the Bulldogs. As a matter fact, they haven't lost to their conference rival since March of 2019. This team is rolling right now, winning six in a row, and nine of their last 10. They have also been money, covering eight of those last 10 outings. After this matchup, Florida then plays Texas A&M, Alabama, and Mississippi to finish the regular season. All three of those teams possess winning records in SEC play. Georgia is just 4-10 in conference play this season. Let's face it, Florida has a chance at taking the regular season crown. Not only that, but if they finish with a big showing, they could probably lock up a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They cannot be in a look ahead situation here, and must keep their foot on the gas. To be honest, the Bulldogs are not a very good team. They've dropped eight of their last 10 straight up, and have only covered three of their last nine. They were shellacked in the first meeting against the Gators back at the end of January on the road, 89-59. Speaking of Florida, during their current six-game win streak, their average margin of victory is 16.0 PPG. Take the Gators. Thank you.

Xavier.

Big East Money Maker.

Game 839.

11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EST.

Xavier is striding at the perfect time. The Musketeers have won three in a row, as well as covering all three. Overall, they are 7-3 their L10 games SU, covering six of those 10 outings. They currently sit in fifth-place in the Big East, and finish out their season with games against Seton Hall, Creighton, Butler, and Providence. In all sincerity, the only formable foe there would be on deck at home against the Blue Jays. This is a team that must continue to win to finish the regular season to earn a top-four spot in the conference. They already took down Seton Hall back at the end of December at home, 94-72. That victory marked their fourth over the last five meetings with their conference rival. As a matter of fact, the last three wins over the Pirates have all been by 20 or more points. The Musketeers possess four double-digit scorers, are a top-20 three-point and free-throw shooting team as well. They will also dominate the glass here. Take Xavier. Thank you.

Purdue.

Sunday Smash.

Game 819.

10:30 AM PST/1:30 PM EST.

Purdue is currently in a tie for fourth-place in the conference. We all know finishing in the top-four gives a team several key advantages. With games remaining against Indiana here, then UCLA, Rutgers, and Illinois, this team needs to finish the regular season strong. They have won each of the last three meetings within Indiana straight up, including an 81-76 victory at home at the end of January. As a matter of fact, the average margin of victory over the last three meetings with their conference rival have come by an average of 15.3 PPG. They enter this matchup losing three in a row, and must bounce back here with authority. The Hoosiers are just 6-9 in conference play, and have dropped eight of their last 10 SU. While this team does have solid big men, they lack quite a bit on the offensive side of the court, and are giving up a lot of points on the defensive side. They're going to have a lot of trouble with the accuracy of the Boilermaker's offense, which shoots 49.4% overall from the floor, and 37.7% from beyond the arc. Take Purdue. Thank you.

Duke Blue Devils.

Game 770.

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

Well, my friends, Duke appears to be on course for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This week, they are ranked third in the nation, and lead the ACC with a 15-1 record. They have games remaining in the regular season with Illinois here at MSG, on the road at Miami, at home at Florida State and Wake Forest, and finish the regular season on the road at North Carolina. They definitely need a couple more wins to ensure the top-seed and the regular season crown in the conference. But they cannot afford a slip up, especially against an opponent like Illinois. The "not so” Fighting Illini are struggling, dropping six of their last 10 straight up, and seven of those 10 against the spread. They have failed to cover four of their last five on the road. Granted, this game is not a true road game. But it's still being played at Madison Square Garden where they have to travel. This team does not travel well. There will be a ton of Blue Devils fans in attendance. You'll see a lot of blue shirts for sure. This is a team on a mission. If you are worried about the number here, don't be. Going backwards, they have won their last several outings by 18, 36, 21, 29, 17, and 10-points. They are healthier, hungrier, are great at both sides of the court on the boards, possess a defense that allows you to 60.8 points per game, and shoot lights out from downtown. This is a big mismatch. Take Duke. Thank you.

Kentucky Wildcats.

Game 733

3:00 PM PST 6:00 PM EST.

With all respect to the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, I just don't see them playing good enough basketball right now to be laying double-digits against any formidable foe. They are coming off back-to-back straight up losses; at home against Auburn and on the road at Missouri. They have also failed to cover those two games, and four of their last seven contests. They did take down Kentucky back in mid-January at home, 102-97. Speaking of the Wildcats, they are starting to surge. They have won three of their last four straight up, and have covered four in a row. There is certainly a lot more pressure on the Crimson Tide, which by the way, after this game have four remaining games in the regular season, three of which against some top teams. After this contest they face Mississippi State at home, before going on the road to face Tennessee, then returning home to face Florida, then finish the regular season on the road at Auburn. I really think they'll be looking ahead in this contest. They've been double-digits favorites 14 times this season, going 7-7 ATS. Yes, Alabama possesses the top-ranked scoring offense in college basketball, and are monsters on the offensive boards. However, their defense is absolutely deplorable, ranking 349th, and getting plowed for over 80.3-points per game. They're also atrocious on the defensive boards. Kentucky can score, accounting for over 85.8-points per game, which ranks third in the nation, hitting 48.6% overall from the floor, 38.0% from beyond the arc, and are they themselves pretty good on the offensive boards. They are also a bit better on the defensive side of the court. They have a lot more to play for here, have less pressure on them, and have been money against the spread. Take the Wildcats. Thank you.

Wake Forest.

Game 623

11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EST.

In my opinion, the line is way too short here. Yes, Cameron Hildreth missed Saturday's game at SMU with a foot injury. However, even without him the Demon Deacons took down the Mustangs, 77-66 on the road as a 6.5-point underdog. They are deep at the guard position. Right now, he is listed as questionable. This is a team that is tied for fourth-place in the ACC, and holds the tiebreaker with SMU, which is also in fourth-place. They also hold tiebreakers with the current sixth, seventh, and eighth-place teams in terms of the ACC tournament pecking order. Of their five remaining regular season games, only one is against a winning team in conference play. They can certainly better their situation with a couple of victories. They enter this matchup winning four of their last five, and seven of their last 10 straight up, covering seven of those last 10 games. They have taken down and NC State in the last two matchups, which does include a 77-59 win and cover at home back at the beginning of January. The Wolfpack are one of the worst teams in the conference at 3-12 in ACC play. They've dropped nine of the last 10 straight up, and eight of those 10 against the number. Take Wake Forest. Thank you.

Mississippi State.

Game 619.

10:00 AM PST/1:00 PM EST.

I feel the line is way off here. Mississippi State has five games remaining on their regular season schedule, with four of those five games against teams with losing records in the conference. Yes, they have Alabama on deck. But I don't feel they'll be in a lookahead situation here. They know what they have to do here to better their situation. They enter this matchup winning and covering three of their last four games, which does include both away outings. Meanwhile, Oklahoma enters this game ice cold, losing and failing to cover five straight. I see the Bulldogs dominating at both ends of the court. Take Mississippi State. Thank you.

Tennessee.

Game 601.

9:00 AM PST/12:00 PM EST.

These two teams are battling for a top four-spot in the SEC. Texas A&M is tied in fourth place with Missouri in the conference, while Tennessee is just behind them in fifth place also tied with ‘Ole Miss. The Volunteers come in here a little fresher having a midweek bye, and certainly looked better in the last outing than did the Aggie's in their last contest. Having said that, Tennessee certainly has an easier end of the season schedule than Texas A&M, which might get caught in a look ahead situation. Both offenses match up pretty well with one another. But defensively, the Volunteers are certainly more frustrating and more explosive. Take the points with Tennessee. Thank you.

Dartmouth Big Green.

Ivy League Powerhouse GOM play.

Game 867.

4:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

Currently in second place in the Ivy League conference, the Dartmouth Big Green have some big games coming up to finish out the regular season. They play Penn on the road here, and then their next game is tomorrow at Princeton. They follow that up with two home games against Yale and Brown, before concluding the regular season on the road at Harvard. Two of their five remaining contests are against some of the top teams in the conference. Fortunately for them, the Quakers are not a top team. The Big Green must get some wins here to stay in the top-four in the Ivy league to finish out the regular season. They took the only meeting this season against Penn, back on January 11, beating them at home, 73-70. They enter this matchup winning and covering four straight, and going back a bit further have won seven of their last eight overall games against the spread. This includes three ATS covers in their last four road outings. On the other hand, Penn has struggled, riding a five-game straight up losing streak, and dropping an overall eight of their last 10 games. They are just 4-7 at home this season. And to be quite honest, they are our outmanned, outclassed, and outgunned here. Take Dartmouth. Thank you.

Oregon State.

TOP PLAY.

Game 813.

7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST.

Sports trans, I've said it before, and I will say it again… It doesn't have to be a major conference for you to make money in it. Don't dismiss some of the smaller conferences just because they're not the ACC, the SEC, the Big Ten, or the Big 12. There's a matchup in the West Coast Conference that seems to be a money maker. Oregon State, which is sitting in the number five spot in the conference at 8-6, owns an overall record of 18-9. Granted, they’re not a very good road team. But they get to face Pepperdine here today. As a matter of fact, looking at the remaining schedule, they have to face Pepperdine, USD, and then finish the season off against the two of the top-three teams in the conference, San Francisco and St. Mary's. They definitely can win these next two games. Which would ensure them a shot at the top-four, and a winning record in conference play. They took the only meeting this season against Pepperdine, about a month ago at home, 83-63. Their offensive numbers are pretty impressive, hitting 48.6% overall from the floor, 37.3% from downtown, and they hit just shy of 80% from the free-throw line. Oh, by the way their defense isn't bad either, as they allow a mere 67.6 points per game, and are a top-10 rebounding core on the defensive side of the court as well. To be honest with you the Waves are in real trouble here. I would lay the points with the visitor here. I think it's a smart play. Take the Beavers. Thank you.

Alabama Crimson Tide.

SEC SCORCHER PLAY.

Game 727.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

After this matchup, Alabama has a tough regular season schedule remaining against Kentucky, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn. They still have a shot at the SEC regular-season crown. But it all starts with a win here today. Making them a slight underdog on the opening line will definitely motivate this team. They have taken the last four meetings against Missouri SU, covering the last three matchups. Overall, this team owns a very impressive road record of 8-1 SU, and have covered four of their last five games played as a visitor. They come off an embarrassing loss at the hands of Auburn, and I expect them to bounce back here with a vengeance. Missouri has won four of their last six, SU, and have covered eight of their last 10. Yes, they are 16-1 at home too. But the Crimson Tide, following their embarrassing defeat, will look to come out here with their top-ranked scoring offense and make a statement. They account for over 90.3 points per game, on 48% shooting from the floor, and rank second in college basketball on the offensive boards, averaging over 40.3 rebounds per game. While the Missouri offense is very respectable, they rely upon their outside shooting. Well folks, ‘Bama’s three-point defense ranks 29th in the nation, allowing just 29.8% from downtown. Take the Crimson Tide. Thank you.

Texas A&M AGGIES.

ODDSMAKERS MISTAKE.

Game 619.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Sports fans, for the life of me, I cannot understand why the oddsmakers have made Mississippi State better than a basket favorite here. Texas A&M is ranked seventh in the nation, and sits tied for third place in the SEC. Mississippi State ranks 21st nationally, and is at the middle of the pack in the conference, possessing a 6-6 record. The Aggies have had the better of the Bulldogs, taking four of the last six, both straight up and against the spread. They also enter this matchup red-hot, winning five in a row, and seven of the last eight SU, covering their last three contests. Their opponent is struggling, dropping six of their last 10 SU, and eight of their last 10 against the number. This does include five consecutive no covers at the Humphrey Coliseum. I understand they are at home. But they are just 8-4 on their own court this season SU. Now Texas A&M does have a very difficult schedule remaining: in a few days they play Tennessee at home, followed by Vanderbilt, then take it on the road to play Florida, before returning home to face Auburn, then finishing the regular season on the road at LSU. They play some very good conference opponents. That's why I feel they must come in here with their foot on the gas. This is a victory they can get, and will get because they need it. They're back court is certainly superior with Taylor and Phelps, who combine for 29.5 PPG and 8.0 RPG. They also have a very strong front court that will compete down low. Their defense ranks 30th in the nation, yielding just 65.4 points per game. And they are far superior at both end of the court on the boards. I feel they can win this game outright. But I'll take the points with the Aggies. Thank you.

Arizona Wildcats.

BIG 12 BLOCKBUSTER.

Game 883.

7:00 PM PST/10:00 PM EST.

Statistically, as far as scoring goes, both Arizona and Baylor are evenly matched on the offensive and defensive sides of the court. But the Wildcats are considerably better at both ends of the court on the boards. They enter this matchup with some confidence knowing they took down today's opponent a little more than a month ago at home, 81-70. They were riding a six-game SU/ATS hot streak until their last two outings, both narrow losses on the road at Kansas State and at home at Houston. Meanwhile, Baylor comes off a three-point victory at home against West Virginia. But this team has struggled lately, splitting out their last 10 games SU, and only covering three of those last 10 outings. Yes, they are 12-1 at home this season. But they given way too much credit by oddsmakers. Arizona is currently ranked, and has an opportunity to solidify their situation with a big victory here today. If they're going to make a run for the top-seed in the Big 12, it must start here today. Take the Wildcats. Thank you.

Duke Blue Devils.

ACC ANNIHILATOR.

Game 882.

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

I'm posting this release prior to the new rankings coming out. As of last week, the Duke Blue Devils were ranked third in the nation behind Auburn and Alabama. The top-ranked Tigers took down second-ranked Crimson Tide on Saturday. The Blue Devils certainly have an opportunity to slide at least into the second position. Either way, Duke remains atop the ACC with a conference record of 14-1. They have six games remaining in their regular season schedule. Only their last two opponents currently possess winning records in conference play; Wake Forest and North Carolina. They have a real opportunity to finish the regular season as the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have had their way with today's opponent, taking the last two matchups, and six of the last nine overall straight up. They have also covered the last two meetings with the Virginia Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are just 6-8 in conference play, and have won their last three outings, both SU and ATS. But this is a team that struggles badly on the offensive side of the court. They average just 64.6 points per game. Meanwhile the Blue Devils explosive offense accounts for over 81.0 points per game. They also rank basically in the top-25 in just about every major offensive category, and will totally dominate on the boards in this matchup. Defensively, believe it or not Duke allows 4.1 less points per game than Virginia's famous defense. One more item folks, the Blue Devils have only lost three games this season. But just over recent contests, they have won by 36, 21, 29, 17, 10, seven, 25, 35, etc. I see them blowing this game up. Take the Blue Devils. Thank you.

Creighton Blue Jays.

Big East Blockbuster.

Game 843.

12:00 PM PST/3:00 PM EST.

These are the two best teams in the Big East as St. John's sits atop the conference at 12-2, while Creighton is right in their rearview at 11-3. Both of these teams come off their first loss in a while. The Blue Jays were riding a nine-game straight up win streak prior to Tuesday's heartbreaking four-point loss at home at the hands of the Huskies. The Red Storm were on a 10-game SU win streak, before Wednesday's road loss at the hands of the Wildcats, 73-71. Yes, St. John's is perfect at home this season, going 15-0. But Creighton has covered six consecutive games as a visitor. They also come into this matchup with confidence knowing they took the only meeting this season back on December 31 at home, 57-56. This is certainly a big game for both teams. Looking at their remaining regular season schedules, the Blue Jays certainly have an easier path. So, this is going to be a huge matchup for them. They have the scorers, the rebounders, and shoot significantly better from the free-throw line. This is way too many points. Take the Creighton. Thank you.

Syracuse Orange.

ACC Annihilator.

Game 748.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

For the life of me, I can't understand why North Carolina is laying this many of points on the road at Syracuse. This is a team that's struggling badly, losing five of their last seven games straight up, and failing to cover all seven of those outings. They've also lost four straight as a visitor, and going back a bit, have failed to cover seven in a row on the road. Meanwhile, Syracuse has been an ATS cover machine, covering seven of their last 10 overall, which does include three ATS covers in their last four games played at the GMA Wireless Dome. It's true, the Tar Heels have an explosive offense. But their defense is getting plowed, and they're having a lot of trouble on the boards. Laying this many points is a mistake. Take the Orange. Thank you.

Auburn Tigers.

Game 707.

1:00 PM PST/4:00 PM EST.

This is the first time in three years during the regular season the number one and number two teams are meeting. Adding to the excitement is the fact that these two teams will once again see one another in the regular season finale on March 8. Both offenses rank in the top-10 in scoring. Both are monsters on the boards. However, I feel there are a couple of factors that give Auburn the edge. For starters, their defense is extremely frustrating, yielding just 67.8 points per game. They're also equally tough at both ends of the court on the perimeter. They shoot lights out from downtown, and their defense is tough from beyond the arc. They are also stronger on the defensive boards. Giving them points here is a mistake. Take the Tigers. Thank you.

Alabama Crimson Tide.

Crusher Play.

Game 653.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

The second-ranked Crimson Tide have the top-ranked Auburn Tigers on deck. Both teams sit at the top the SEC at 9-1 in conference play. My point being, Alabama cannot take their foot off the gas here. They possess six double-digit scorers, which is the reason why they are the top-scoring team in the nation, averaging over 90.0 points per game. They are also monsters on the offensive boards, which allows them to get a lot of second chance opportunities. This team has played solid basketball for most of the season, hence their 20-3 record. They enter this matchup winning 14 of their last 15 straight up, and covering 10 of those outings. Meanwhile, Texas is struggling. The Longhorns have dropped two in a row, and six of their last 10. They have also failed to cover four of their last seven contests. I just don't see them keeping pace on the scoreboard here. I know they possess a decent defense. By going up against the machine, which is the Alabama offense, is a whole different story. They're also going to be outgunned on the boards here. If they try to shoot from the outside, they will get frustrated going up against the 12th ranked three-point shooting defense in college basketball. Take the Crimson Tide. Thank you.

Creighton Blue Jays.

Big East Blockbuster.

Game 658.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

Creighton has St. John's up next, and cannot afford a loss here tonight. Believe it or not, the Blue Jays have only lost one game in the New Year, covering all 10 contests in 2025. They have dominated Connecticut, taking eight of the last 10 straight up, and covering six of those 10, which includes wins and covers in the two most recent matchups. They just took down the Huskies back on January 18th, 68-63, on the road. UConn is struggling, splitting out their last eight games SU, and have only covered two of their last nine outings. Simply putting it, they are severely outclassed here. Take Creighton. Thank you.

Purdue Boilermakers.

Big 12 Winner

Game 617.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Two of the top three teams in the Big Ten square off here as Purdue visits the Crisler Center to face Michigan. Both teams are playing fantastic basketball. The Boilermakers have won nine of their last 10, while the Wolverines eight of their last 10. The only major difference here is Purdue has covered eight of their last 10 games, while Michigan has only covered three of their last 10 outings. Both offensively and defensively these teams statistics mirror one another. While the Boilermaker defense is a little tighter, the Wolverines possess a better rebounding core. Both teams have solid front courts, and talented back courts. The one difference I see here as far as the players go, is the fact Purdue rotates more players to keep fresher legs. Michigan basically plays just their starting five for most of the game. The Boilermakers do come in here with an extra day to rest and prepare, and as I mentioned earlier, are much better against the number. They also come in here with confidence knowing they have taken four straight in this rivalry, including a January 25, 91-64 win and cover at home. Take Purdue. Thank you.

Florida Gators on the ML.

Consensus Play.

Game 623.

4:00 PM PST 7:00 PM EST.

With only a handful of games left in the regular season, Florida has a real chance at upping their status. They face a Mississippi State opponent they have dominated over recent meetings, taking three of the last four straight up, and covering all four matchups. The enter today's game red-hot, winning seven of their last nine SU, and covering six of those nine outings. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are pointspread poison, failing to cover seven of their last eight, which does include all four games played at home during that span. Oh, by the way, they've also failed to win five of their last eight SU. On both sides of the court, Florida owns better numbers, whether it be in scoring, defense, or at both ends of the court on the boards. Take the Gators on the ML. Thank you.

Clemson Tigers.

Monday Money Maker.

Game 882.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

These two teams are in very different situations right now. The North Carolina Tar Heels sit in seventh place in the ACC at 7-5 in conference play, possessing an overall record of 14-10. They are just 3-5 straight up on the road this season, and have failed to cover seven straight contests played as a visitor. The Clemson Tigers are in second place in the ACC at 11-2, owning an overall mark of 19-5, which does include a 12-2 record at home. They come off a big win over the conference’s leading team, t the Duke Blue Devils just two days ago at home, 77-71. This marked their seventh win over their last eight games straight up, covering six of those eight games. I don't see them taking their food off the gas here, or being in a letdown situation as they know there aren’t a ton of games left in the regular season, and they have a chance of being the top seed in the ACC. The combination of possessing a very stingy defense, and one of the most accurate three-point shooting offenses is in the nation, certainly gives the Tigers a big edge here. Take Clemson. Thank you.

BYU.

Game 771.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

BYU took down Cincinnati two weeks ago at home, 80-52. There is no reason why this outcome will be any different. The Cougars come off their first loss following a four-game win and cover streak at home four nights ago at the hands of Arizona. I expected them to bounce back strongly here against a team they are severely better than. Yes, they are just 2-4 straight up on the road this season. But they are getting better when they travel, winning their last two games played as a visitor. Meanwhile, don't be fooled by Cincinnati's 8-4 home record. They are on a 1-4 run at home, while failing to cover all five of those outings. The Cougars have too much offense, are too good on the boards, and will get a big win here tonight. Making them an underdog is a huge mistake. Take BYU. Thank you.

Texas.

Game 621.

10:00 AM PST/1:00 PM EST.

Texas has two big games upcoming after today, both at home against Alabama and Kentucky. So, the Longhorns must get their ducks in a row so to speak here in this matchup. They play a Vanderbilt team that is certainly much better at home than they are on the road. However, the Commodores are being seriously overvalued. They have failed to cover six of their last eight games, failing to win five of those eight games. Both teams have stellar back courts, and solid big men upfront. However, Texas can keep pace with Vanderbilt offensively, and own a stronger defense for sure. They're also a little stronger at both ends of the court on the boards, and are definitely more accurate from both the three-point and the free throw lines. I think giving the Longhorns points here is a mistake. Take Texas. Thank you.

St. Mary’s.

Game 833.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

Saint Mary's is just on the cusp of breaking into the top-25, folks. A few more of these ranked teams fall over the next week, along with Gaels keeping their foot on the gas, can bring them into a top-25 position. This team is playing great basketball as they sit atop the West Coast Conference, a perfect 10-0 in league play, possessing an overall record of a respectable, 20-3. They are on a 10-game straight up winning streak, in which they have covered eight of their last nine. There isn't a ton of games remaining on their schedule. So, victories here are essential for this team. They face a San Francisco opponent they have dominated, taking 10 consecutive meetings, going 8-2 ATS during that span. Yes, the Don's are 14-0 at home this season. But have only covered three of their last 10 games overall, and let's not forget the visitor here is a perfect, 6-0 on the road this season. San Francisco possesses a solid backward, but does not have the front court to compete in this matchup. They are going up against two monsters in 6’8”, 240 lb. forward Muraskas, and 6’10”, 255 lb. Saxen, who combine for 23.5 PPG/16.8 RPG. They will dominate here, sportsfans. By the way, St. Mary's possess the seventh-ranked defense in college basketball, yielding a mere, 61.0 PPG. They are also equally dominant on both ends of the court on the glass. This number is short. Take the Gaels. Thank you.

Maryland.

Game 793.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Maryland is starting surge at the right time. The Terrapins have won for a row, and six of their last seven straight up. They downed Ohio State just two months ago at home, 83-59. Speaking of the Buckeyes, they're starting to struggle, dropping five of their last nine both straight up and against the spread. Maryland is in a good position in the Big Ten, sitting at 7-4, while Ohio State is just 5-6 in conference play. The Terrapins don't have a tough opponent on their schedule for several weeks, until February 26 when they face the conferences second best team, Michigan State. They possess a very strong front court, and a talented core of guards as well. The Terrapin's average over 3.1 points per game on offense and allow 5.9 points per game on defense less than their opponent here tonight. They are also superior both ends of the court on the board. Giving them points as a mistake. Take Maryland. Thank you.

Creighton.

Game 739.

5:30 PM PST/8:30 PM EST.

Creighton is in second place in the Big East at 9-2 in conference play, and possess an overall record of 16-6. The Blue Jays are red-hot, riding a seven-game win streak. They have the Marquette Golden Eagles on deck, the team just behind them in conference play. They need every victory they can get right now. I mentioned their hot streak. But going back a little further, this team is on a 9-1 straight up run, going 13-1 ATS their last 14 games. They play a Providence opponent they took down just three weeks ago on their own home court, 84-64. I don't see why this outcome will be any different. The Friars have dropped six of their last 10 SU. Yes, they are 9-2 at home this season. But on both sides of the court, are significantly outlast here tonight. They rely upon their forward, Hopkins, who is a very solid big man, averaging 17.0 PPG and 7.7 RPG. However, he will be competing against a big man for the Blue Jays, who is 5 inches bigger and 50 pounds heavier in center, Kalkbrenner. The big man averages 18.5/8.4. He is a monster. Behind him is a very big supporting cast in the front court, and an extremely talented backward. Creighton flexes their muscles. Take the Blue Jays. Thank you.

Louisville Cardinal.

Game 681.

12:45 PM PST/3:45 PM EST.

Don't look now, but Louisville is playing some great basketball, possessing an overall record of 16-5, which does include a 9-1 record in ACC play. They enter this match up one of the hottest teams in college basketball, winning 10 consecutive contests, and going 9–2 ATS their last 11. They are very respectable, 5-1 on the road this season, and they match up pretty well with Georgia Tech, whom they have dominated, taking eight of the last 10 meeting SU. The Yellow Jackets have dropped six of their last 10, which doesn't include five of their last six. In those six defeats, they have lost by 26, 7, 22, 11, 13, and 3 points. They are getting crushed. The 21st-ranked Cardinals can get another big win here and stay in the top-25. Take Louisville. Thank you.

Auburn Tigers.

Game 631.

11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EST.

The top-ranked Tigers are red-hot, winning 12 consecutive games, enroute to an overall record of 19-1. While Mississippi sports a 10-1 home record, this team is starting to struggle a bit. They have lost three of their last four overall, and have failed to cover their last three straight. To say the Tigers have dominated the Rebels, would be an understatement. They have taken six in a row, and eight of the last 10 in this series. Last season they won and covered both meetings by 23, and 14 points. I think this price is very low. Take Auburn to stay on top of the polls. Thank you.

Creighton Blue Jays.

Game 611.

10:00 AM PST/1:00 PM EST.

Making Creighton an underdog here is a huge mistake made by the oddsmakers. They come in here with confidence, knowing they have won and covered both meetings a season ago against Villanova. They're also red-hot, winning six straight and eight of their last nine SU, and nine in a row against the number. Meanwhile, the Wildcats are proving to be point spread poison, failing to cover five straight, and going just 1-4 SU during that span. There's a big disparity between these two teams. I know Villanova is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation. But Creighton is playing very good basketball right now. Take the Blue Jays. Thank you.

Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Game 602.

9:00 AM PST/12:00 PM EST.

These two teams are heading in opposite directions as Washington is on a six-game straight up slide and Minnesota comes of their first loss following a three-game SU hot streak, and a four-game ATS win streak. The Huskies are winless as a visitor this season at 0-5, while the Golden Gophers are 10-4 at the Williams Arena. Take Minnesota. Thank you.

Akron.

Game 889.

4:00 PM PST/700 PM EST.

Akron sits atop the MAC at 8-0, by no accident. This is a solid basketball team. They are 15-5 overall on the season, and are 10-8 ATS. They have taken the last three meetings against Kent State, and are riding an eight-game straight up win streak. They are a pretty good road team as well. The Zips possess one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, averaging over 84.0 points per game, while also owning one of the best offensive rebounding squads in college basketball, averaging over 37.1 offensive rebounds per game. They will have an enormous number of second-chance opportunities here. Making them an underdog is a mistake. Take Akron. Thank you.

Oregon State.

Game 655.

8:00 PM PST 11:00 PM EST.

Normally, when a team like Gonzaga loses in a first meeting to conference rival, I would look to take them in the next matchup. Oregon State just beat them a few weeks back on their own home court in overtime, 97-89. They did shoot a whopping 58% from the floor. But were outrebounded, and still took the game. I think we can all agree, the Bulldogs are a very good team. However, oddsmakers seem to be overvaluing them once again this season as they have covered just two of their last 10 outings. Not only that, but they also have the West Coast Conference’s top team, St. Mary's, which happen to be a perfect 8-0 in conference play, on deck. This might be a situation where they're in a “look ahead” spot because they have to play their biggest game thus far this season on Saturday. The Beavers have covered six of their last seven outings, and overall, are 16-5 ATS this season. While I do feel Gonzaga will come out and avenge the earlier loss, I just feel they're being overvalued, and may just overlook this team a bit because of their next opponent. Take Oregon State. Thank you.

West Virginia.

Game 755.

3:00 PM PST 6:00 PM EST.

I feel the wrong team is favored here. Maybe Kansas State has taken the last two meetings in the series straight up. But they are atrocious in conference play, going just 1-6 against Big 12 opponents. They face a West Virginia visitor that has covered their last four games played on the road against the likes of Gonzaga, Kansas, Colorado, and Houston. The best player on the floor is Mountaineers guard, Javon Small, who is averaging over 19.5 PPG and 5.1 RPG. To go on further, the WVU defense allows a mere, 63.9 points per game. Take the Mountaineers. Thank you.

MSU.

Game 627.

10:30 AM PST/1:30 PM EST.

Not only is Michigan State a top-10 team nationally, they also are the only undefeated team in Big Ten play, leading the conference at 7-0. Meanwhile, Rutgers just can't get any traction against league rivals. They are just 3-5 in Big Ten play this season. The Spartans took last January's meeting at home, 73-55. They enter this matchup winning 11 in a row, and going 9-2 ATS during that span. While the Scarlet Knights possess a backcourt of Bailey and Harper, who combine for 39.2 points per game. Overall, I just don't see them competing against the very frustrating defense of their opponent here. Despite those two guards, they still don't post as much as MSU posts (81.7 PPG). They're also going to be at a disadvantage on the boards. And if this game gets physical, they only hit 69.5% from the line, while Michigan State hits 81.3%. Take the Spartans. Thank you.

Mississippi.

Game 759.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

‘Ole Miss is playing some great basketball, and is only one of two undefeated teams in conference play in the SEC. They are rolling, winning and covering four in a row over the likes of Georgia, Arkansas, LSU, and Alabama. Meanwhile, Mississippi State enters this matchup losing and failing to cover their last two outings. They were outgunned at home by Kentucky, and then got embarrassed on the road at the hands of a shorthanded Auburn opponent. The Rebels defense is very frustrating, and has held most of their opponents in check. I see this game being a lot closer than the pointspread. Take Mississippi. Thank you.

Tennessee

Game 703.

12:30 PM PST/3:30 PM EST.

Sixth-ranked Tennessee, has had their way with Vanderbilt, taking nine of the last 10 meetings straight up. This is a very short price for the Volunteers to lay. Since suffering their only defeat of the season back on January 7 at the hands of the Florida Gators, the Volunteers have since taken down the Texas Longhorns and the Georgia Bulldogs. They know how dangerous it can be visiting Memorial Gymnasium, and they won't take this game lightly. After this match up in a few days, they go up against Mississippi State before facing three tough opponents in Auburn, Kentucky, and Florida. They must fine tune their team here and the next outing before their schedule gets tougher. They rank in the top-three defensively in points allowed, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. They also own a top-10 defensive rebounding core. I see them dominating on the glass at both ends of the court, and frustrating the Vanderbilt offense. This line is too short. Take Tennessee. Thank you.

Wisconsin.

Game 691.

12:00 PM PST/3:00 PM EST.

I think the line of this game is a little off. I feel the Badgers should be at least a 2-3 basket favorite in this matchup. They enter today's game winning six in a row SU, and covering five of their last seven outings. This includes ATS wins in three straight as a visitor. They average over seven more points per game than does the Trojans, and are much stronger on the offensive boards. They will get a lot of second chance opportunities. When this game gets physical, and it will get physical, they own the nation's top free-throw shooting squad, hitting over 85.4% from the line. Take Wisconsin. Thank you.

Michigan.

Game 773.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Michigan and Michigan State are the only two undefeated teams in the Big Ten conference. The Spartans are atop the league at 6-0, while the Wolverines are 5-0. Meanwhile, the only winless team in conference play is Minnesota at 0-6. They are riding a four-game straight up losing streak, and have only covered two of their last 10 outings...they are pointspread poison. During their current slide, the average margin of defeat is over 12.0 points per game. Michigan is running red-hot, winning and covering five in a row, and has already notched wins over such notables as TCU, Xavier, Wisconsin, Iowa, USC, and UCLA. Now, Minnesota has a big man in forward, Dawson Garcia, who is 6'11", 234 lbs. He can play, folks. He is averaging over 18.6 PPG, and 7.3 RPG. But he is the only true force in the paint the Golden Gophers possess. The Wolverines have a couple of big men to throw at Garcia. Their leading scorer is 7'1", 250 lbs., Vladislav Goldin. The center is a real force, accounting for over 15.4 PPG and 5.9 RPG. And behind him are a couple of big forwards in Wolf, Tschetter, and Walters, who combine for over 24.1 PPG/14.3 RPG. But Wolf is a monster, posting over 12.4 PPG and 10.1 RPG. Overall, Michigan ranks 15th in the nation, averaging over 85.2 points per game and tops college basketball in field goal percentage, hitting over 51.9% from the field. They hit nearly 38% from the three-point line (37.8), and are also monsters at both ends of the court on the glass. This would be enough. But, (and there's always a but), but they also own a very frustrating defense, allowing a mere 68.2 PPG, and 39.2% shooting from the field. Their opponent is outmanned, and outclassed here. I don't have a problem laying nearly double-digits, especially because this is a huge revenge situation. Minny took last January’s meeting on the road in Michigan, 73-71. Take the Wolverines. Thank you.

Purdue.

Game 751.

6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST.

Laying points on the road in college basketball can sometimes be a tricky situation. But not here tonight in the matchup between the Boilermakers and the Huskies. The 17th ranked Purdue team is 5-1 in conference play this season, while Washington is just 1-5 in Big Ten play. The Boilermaker enter this matchup red-hot, winning five in a row, and covering their last four. Their average margin of victory during this win streak is 22.2 points per game. The Huskies come into this matchup struggling, dropping three in a row SU, and their last two ATS. To be quite honest, there is no bright spot on their offense, and their defense offers very little hope as well. I just don't see them competing in this match up at all, no matter how big the pointspread is. Take Purdue. Thank you.

Stanford.

Game 683.

3:30 PM PST/6:30 PM EST.

Two ACC teams square off tonight as Stanford meets Wake Forest. The Cardinal comes in here winning and covering their last two games, both at home, against Virginia Tech and Virginia. The Demon Deacons are riding a three-game SU/ATS hot streak, taking games over the Orange, the Wolfpack, and the Hurricanes. Both teams are chock full of talent. But without question, the best player on the court tonight will be Stanford big man, Maxime Raynaud. The forward is averaging 20.9 points per game and 11.5 rebounds per game. The opposition just doesn't have the muscle to contend in the paint with him. While Wake Forest possesses a defense that can be frustrating, their opposition has an offense that can be explosive. I think this is way too many points. Take the Cardinal. Thank you.

Houston Cougars.

Game 761.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

Houston took last January's matchup over Kansas State, 74-52. There is no reason why this matchup, this year, will have any different of an outcome. The Cougars are on a seven-game straight up win streak, and have covered four in a row. By the way, they've covered those games as a favorite of 31, 12, 10, and 19-points. They took down two teams in the Cowboys and the Horned Frogs with authority, that happen to be the two teams that have given the Wildcats their last two defeats. As a matter of fact, Kansas State has lost five of their last six SU, and have failed to cover four of those six. There is no way possible they are going put up any points here against the nation’s top-ranked defense, which allows just 54.0-points per game, on 34.3% shooting. By the way, look for the Cougars to dominate the defensive glass as well as lighting it up from outside, where they rank third in college basketball, hitting over 41.4% from beyond the arc, against a team that ranks 305th at defending the “3’. Take Houston. Thank you.

Tennessee Volunteers.

Game 757.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

The second-ranked Volunteers will come in here looking for redemption, following their first defeat of the campaign. Tennessee (14-1) didn't just lose on the road to Florida, they were embarrassed, 73-43. They go into the Lonestar State and take on a Texas Longhorns team that has dropped their last two outing straight up, and failed to cover two of their last three. While Texas is a very good team with a lot of talent, looking at their schedule, when they have been asked to step up, they have fallen short. They're going to be very frustrated against the No. 2 defense in the country, and will have very little success from the outside, despite being the ninth-ranked three-point shooting team. They go up against the top three-point defense in college basketball here. Oh, by the way, they are also seriously outclassed at both ends of the court on the boards. Take Tennessee. Thank you.

Kansas Jayhawks.

Game 655.

11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EST.

The 11th ranked Kansas Jayhawks are an overall, 11-3, which does include a 2-1 record in conference play. They face an opponent here in the Cincinnati Bearcats that are a respectable, 10-4 overall. But are winless in Big 12 play at 0-3, and are riding a three-game SU/ATS slide. Kansas is just better-coached, deeper, and their big men are far superior. By the way, they're also much better from the free-throw line, hitting over 75.1%, while Cincinnati is a dismal, 62.8%. That will be a big difference here. Take the Jayhawks. Thank you.

Oregon Ducks.

Game 759.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

Oregon enters this matchup with a 13-2 record, and ranked 15th in the nation. They also come in here with an extra days rest, coming off their home win on Sunday over Maryland. That was their eighth straight up victory over their last 10 outings. They are starting to stride. Meanwhile, Ohio State played on Monday on the road at Minnesota, and needed double-overtime to take a one-point victory over the Golden Gophers. I expect them to come in here a little fatigued, folks. That victory was their sixth in their last 10 contests. But are seriously overvalued by the oddsmakers, covering just five of their last 10 outings. There is no question the Buckeyes are a good team. They can score, and are deadly from downtown. But the Ducks are just as explosive offensively, and are a little stingier on the defensive side of the ball. Maybe Ohio State comes in here a little distracted as their football team is in the CFP tomorrow in Arlington, against Texas. I will take the Ducks plus the points. Thank you.

Ohio State Buckeyes.

Monday Money Maker.

Game 885.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

Ohio State comes off a disappointing home loss three days ago at the hands of Michigan State. That followed a three-game win and cover streak. They are winless thus far as a true visitor this season. But things will turn around for the Buckeyes today, as they face a team they know very well, and is winless overall in conference play. The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 0-3 in Big Ten action this season. Granted, they played some very strong opponents in Michigan State, Indiana, and Purdue. But things are going to go from bad to worse for the Golden Gophers in Big Ten play. They just can not keep pace with the explosive offensive of Ohio State here, which averages over 81.4 points per game. When the game gets physical, and it will get physical, they are atrocious from the line, hitting only 63.6%. To add insult to injury, they are one of the worst teams in college basketball at defending the perimeter, and must try to slow down the Buckeyes 32nd-ranked 3-pt shooting “O”. Ohio State gets back on track, and gets a big conference win. Take the Buckeyes. Thank you.

UCLA Bruins.

BIG TEN BB.

Game 657.

11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EST.

The 15th-ranked UCLA Bruins are diving headfirst into Big ten play here, as they take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. UCLA is 11-2 overall, which does include a 2-0 record in conference action. They come off a big victory over Gonzaga last Saturday. Normally, I would look to fade the team after a high-profile win like that. But not in this case. The Bruins have already faced and taken down such notables as the Ducks and the Wildcats, and hung in tough with the Tar Heels. I don't see a letdown here at all. They face a Cornhuskers team that does have a couple of big victories over the likes of the Blue Jays and Hoosiers. But fell short when they were asked to step up against the Gaels and Spartans. While Nebraska has a solid defense, they just cannot measure up against the stifling, frustrating, defense of their opponent here. UCLA is allowing a mere, 58.7-points per game, and our monsters on the defensive glass. Giving them point here is a mistake. Take the Bruins. Thank you.

Saint Joseph’s Hawks.

A-10 ANNIHILATOR.

Game 689.

6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST.

Saint Joseph's took the last meeting over St. Louis, back in February 2024, and enter this matchup rolling, winning four in a row, straight up. During their current hot streak, they took down such notables as Virginia Tech on the road. While St. Louis has won back-to-back games following a three-game slide, playing the William Woods Owls and the Fordham Rams are a far cry from today's opponent. The Hawks have a frustrating defense which is allowing just 68.0-points per game, and are much more accurate from the free-throw line. I believe the wrong team is favored here. Take Saint Joseph's. Thank you.

Bradley.

SD.

Game 623.

1:30 PM PST/4:30 PM EST.

The Bradley Braves are playing some very good basketball. They are 8-1 overall, covering five of their eight outings. Granted, they haven't played too many elite opponents. But this is a team that possesses a dynamic back court of Deen and Montgomery, which are combining for over 27.6 points per game, and the slew of big men upfront, that are physical, big, and strong. The Santa Clara Broncos are sitting at just 5-5. While they have played some stiffer competition, I really think making them a favorite here is a mistake. They have a good team. But not a great team. And right now, nobody is stepping up and taking the team on their shoulders. I feel they are outclassed and outmanned here. Take the Braves. Thank you.

UCLA.

Game 633.

12:00 PM PST/3:00 PM EST.

Arizona certainly had their way in the series. The Wildcats have taken six of the last seven meetings straight up, covering five of those seven. However, this is a very different Arizona team this season. Prior to last week’s win over Southern Utah, they dropped four of their previous five, both SU and ATS. Granted, they have played some good teams. But this team is playing with no symmetry at all. They have covered just three of their eight outings this season. Meanwhile, after an early-season loss at the hands of New Mexico, UCLA has now rattled off seven consecutive straight up victories, going 5-2 against the spread. They took down Washington, and come off of a big win on the road at Oregon. The best player on the court belongs to UCLA in forward, Tyler Bilodeau, who is averaging over 13.3 points per game, along with 5.9 rebounds per game. But this game will be won with defense. And the Bruins own the nation’s top “D”, allowing a mere, 55.1 points per game. I think giving them points is a mistake. Take UCLA. Thank you.

Penn State Nittany Lions.

OM PLAY.

Game 609.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

In my opinion, the wrong team is favored here. On the road I have the Nittany Lions a 2.5-point favorite in this matchup. And why not? This is a team that's 8-1 overall on the season, covering five of their nine outings. They've taken down the talented Boilermakers already. And coming into this matchup they have some confidence knowing they took the last meeting with the Scarlet Knights, on the road 61-46 at the end of January. Speaking of Rutgers, they've only covered two of their last eight games, and have taken some real beatings at that.  Granted, they played some good teams. But they have looked very lackluster overall. They do have a scoring machine in guard, Harper. However, they're going to run into a very well-balanced opponent here tonight. Offensively, Penn State is accounting for over 90.1 points per game on 51.9% shooting from the floor. They also hit over 38.2% from downtown. That is where this game will be won. The Rutgers three-point defense is absolutely atrocious. I also expect the Nittany Lions to dominate on the glass. Take the points with Penn State. Thank you.

Purdue.

BIG TEN BB.

Game 759.

3:30 PM PST/6:30 PM EST.

Both Purdue and Penn State begin their Big Ten conference regular season schedule tonight. The eighth-ranked Boilermakers are looking for the third consecutive conference regular season title. Let me tell you right now, there are high expectations for this team. They've already taken down such notables as Alabama, NC State, and Mississippi. They do have one loss on the road at Marquette, following the big home win over the Crimson Tide. The Nittany lions have only stepped up once this season, and took it on the chin on the road in a 75-67 loss at the hands of Clemson. They've also failed to cover four of their last six games. Purdue had their way in this series taking eight in a row, and nine of their last 10 straight up. In those victories going back to 2010 in this rivalry, only one has come by a short number. Giving them points is a mistake. Take the Boilermakers. Thank you.

Colorado.

Game 737.

11:30 AM PST/2:30 PM EST.

I think this is way too many points to give a Colorado teams that shoot lights out from beyond the arc, and are monsters on the defensive glass. Take the Buffaloes. Thank you.

Purdue.

OM PLAY.

Game 846.

4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.

Alabama might be higher ranked, but Purdue as an underdog at home is definitely the play. The Boilermakers have won 38 straight regular season nonconference games, and have also won 20 straight home games. Anytime you can get a team like Purdue getting points on their own court, it is a play. Take the Boilermakers. Thank you.

TCU.

Game 837.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

 Even though TCU is 3-0, this is their first matchup against a solid opponent, certainly their first matchup against a representative from a power conference. However, Michigan is a mess. They have a new head coach, and only three players returning from last year's mediocre squad. They've only won three games since mid-December of last season. This is just way too many points to lay. Take the Horned Frogs. Thank you.

Tennessee.

OM play.

Game 601.

9:00 AM PST/12:00 PM EST.

Sport fans, I understand the Tennessee Volunteers had to replace a couple of key cogs in their wheel. But this team is still loaded with talent, and ride the momentum from last season’s success into this season’s first tough matchup. The Louisville Cardinals are supposed to be a good team this season. However, anything would be better than last season’s debacle. I just don't see them keeping pace here on the scoreboard against the frustrating, Volunteers defense. Tennessee isn't ranked 12th in the nation by accident. Take the Volunteers. Thank you.

U Conn Huskies.

Game 674.

5:45 PM PST/8:45 PM EST.

I know this is a ton of points, my friends. But you just can't dismiss what the Huskies have done again this season. Getting to the Big Dance and then plowing down all comers like Connecticut did a season to go to become National Champions is a remarkable feat. But to get back to the Final Four the following year is so tough, with so much pressure. I have to tell you I feel this team is destined to win back-to-back titles. I know the Alabama Crimson Tide a good team. However, let's face it, when they take to the road they leave a little bit of luster. Granted, Alabama's offense tops college basketball, averaging over 90.8 points per game. But going up against one of the most frustrating, and most ferocious defenses like that of the Huskies, which allows a mere, 64.0 points per game on 39.8% shooting from the floor, is going to be fatal to this team. Understand Connecticut are also monsters at both ends of the court on the boards and will take away a lot of second chance opportunities for Alabama, while creating opportunities for themselves offensively. I know this is a lot of points. But this is one of the best college basketball teams we've seen come around in a long time. They will dominate this game from start to finish. Lay the points. Take the Huskies. Thank you.

Purdue Boilermakers.

BIG DANCE GOY.

Game 656.

11:20 AM PST/2;20 PM EST.

Both Tennessee and Purdue deserve to be here. However, make no mistake of it, the Volunteers are not in the same class as the Boilermakers. Purdue enters this matchup knowing that they took down Tennessee in a late-November matchup, at home 71-67. Since November, the Boilermakers have improved significantly. Don't get me wrong, the Volunteers are a damn good team. But when you have arguably the best college basketball player in the country as you're starting center, it's certainly going to give you a very large advantage. Zach Edey is one of the best college basketball players I have ever seen. He's an absolute monster.  Forget about stopping him. Even if you tried to slow him down, the rest of the starters for Purdue are some of the most unselfish players in the country. On any given day any one of them can step up and take a game on his shoulders. Tennessee is accustomed to playing opponents that can score as much as them. Purdue can do just that my friends. And to make matters worse, they have a very good defense, are second in the nation in shooting from downtown, and on both ends of the court, possess a top-10 rebounding core. This game will get out of hand. Take the Boilermakers. Thank you.

Clemson Tigers.

OM play.

Game 653.

5:45 PM PST/8:45 PM EST.

In all sincerity, I think this line should be closer to a pick ‘em. However, the whole world would then bet Alabama because as we know the general public loves to bet those favorites. Clemson enters this match up running red-hot, winning and covering three in a row over the lights of New Mexico, Baylor, and Arizona. If there was going to be a letdown for this team, it would have come after the first or even the second Tourney game. But this team has their foot on the gas and they're playing excellent basketball right now. Granted, Alabama has won and covered their last three as well. But in all honesty, College of Charleston and Grand Canyon are not in the same class as Clemson. When they did step up and play a formidable opponent in North Carolina in their last outing, they were lucky to get away with a two-point win. Please understand that these two teams played earlier this season back at the end of November in Alabama, when Clemson prevailed, 85-77. Please understand that this team is an excellent team, the Tigers are. In their first matchup back a few months ago, they really outhustled Alabama. They shot better from the floor, better from downtown, and owned the boards. I don't see why this game isn't going to come out the same way. I look for a very competitive matchup here tonight. Take the Tigers. Thank you.

Connecticut.

Game 652.

3:05 PM PST/6:05 PM EST.

With all respect to the Illinois Fighting Illini, I really think there are in over their heads here in this matchup. They are a very good team, don't get me wrong. I mean they are riding a seven-game straight up win streak, in which they covered six of those seven outings. But facing the likes of Morehead State, Duquesne, and Iowa State, are a big difference than facing an opponent like Connecticut. The Huskies are a monster team. They are 34-3 overall this season. Now I know that this game is being played in Boston, Massachusetts. However, this is going to be a very friendly, predominantly Huskies crowd there. I know it's not a true home game…of course it isn't. But this team is going to look in the stands and see a lot of their jerseys in the crowd and get a lot of support there. This is like a home game for this team, trust me when I tell you, my friends. And we all know they were 16-0 at home this season. I just don't see Illinois contending with Connecticut and they are very pesky defense. The Huskies rank 13th in the nation in points allowed, yielding a mere 64.0 points per game. They also yield just 39.8% shooting from the field. And to make things even tougher on their opponent tonight, they rank second in college basketball on the defensive boards. I just think they are a team that is on a mission to show everyone they can and will repeat as the National Champion. Take Connecticut. Thank you.

North Carolina Tar Heels.

SWEET 16 GAME OF THE YEAR.

Game 636.

6:40 PM PST/9:40 PM EST.

Whether you are a novice or an expert in college basketball, you are familiar with the history of the Tar Heels. North Carolina is one of the most successful teams in the history of college basketball. Hubert Davis is the head coach of UNC. In his three seasons at the helm, it's been a hell of a ride. Going back even further, his career has been very impressive. He went to North Carolina, winning a national championship, and even averaging over 21.4 points per game in his senior season. He was a first-round draft pick to the New York Knicks, played on six teams in the NBA. He became an assistant coach of the Tar Heels back in 2012, and a few years ago named the head coach. In his first season at the helm, Davis team reached the National Championship game. Oddly enough last season, the team missed the Tournament altogether. Now this season, they come in as a number one seed in the West Region.  I believe it was last year's absence that really lit a fire under this team and motivated them to win. They know they cannot take their opponent here lightly. Alabama is a heck of a team. They finished fifth in the SEC, and own an overall record of 23-11. They are a very good team. But I think we could all agree that when they travel away from the confines of their own home court, they lose a little bit of luster. They are just 5-5 away from home straight up this season. And just 4-4 SU on neutral sites. While, their offense is explosive, their defense is getting shredded for over 80.4 points per game. They're playing against a team which is as complete and well-balanced as any team in the country. The Tar Heels possess height, muscle, speed, strength, depth, and intelligence. Take North Carolina. Thank you.