Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
03-10-23 | Oregon +6.5 v. UCLA | 56-75 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 23 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oregon plus the points over UCLA at 9 pm et on Friday. UCLA faced some resistance but ultimately got past Colorado by double-digits in a win and ATS cover yesterday. I can't help but feel that Oregon is essentially Colorado 'on steroids' this season and the Ducks will certainly enter this contest with a chip on their collective shoulder after dropping both regular season meetings with the Bruins. Oregon wasn't able to generate enough scoring opportunities to get over the hump in the two regular season matchups with UCLA. It is worth noting that Bruins guard Jaylen Clark proved to be a handful for the Ducks in those two contests, scoring 27 points while adding seven rebounds not to mention getting to the free throw line 14 times. He of course won't play in this game as he recovers from an achilles injury. I think a lot of bettors are sleeping on the Ducks, noting that they check in ranked 28th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency and 70th in adjusted defensive efficiency despite facing the 23rd most difficult schedule (all according to KenPom). Oregon was certainly battle-tested early on as it went up against the 28th toughest slate of non-conference opponents (by comparison UCLA faced only the 148th most difficult). Of course UCLA is the superior team in this matchup but that's been baked into the pointspread. As we see year in, year out, the best team doesn't always end up on top in these conference tournaments and the Pac-12 has been no different (remember Oregon State?). Having won four games in a row, allowing just 22, 19, 25 and 23 made field goals over that stretch, I'm confident the Ducks can hang with the Bruins for 40 minutes on Friday. Take Oregon (8*). | |||||||
03-10-23 | CS-Fullerton v. Cal-Irvine UNDER 130.5 | Top | 83-80 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 19 m | Show |
Big West Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Cal State-Fullerton and Cal-Irvine at 9 pm et on Friday. Both of these teams are coming off low-scoring affairs on Thursday and I expect more of the same as they match up for the third time this season on Friday. The two regular season matchups were a bit of a mixed bag with the first totalling 135 points and the second reaching only 123 points. Fullerton has been an upstart this season, going an incredible 19-8 ATS in lined contests on the strength of a defense that ranks 81st in the country in adjusted efficiency (according to KenPom). The Titans are certainly capable of 'grinding it out', checking in 317th out of 363 Division-I teams in terms of adjusted tempo (also according to KenPom). Cal-Irvine is right there defensively as well, ranking 75th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency, albeit playing at a considerably faster pace. The Anteaters have been particularly locked-in on defense lately, allowing 24 or fewer made field goals in nine of their last 10 games overall. On the flip side, Fullerton has impressively limited five of its last seven foes to 21 or fewer made field goals. You would have to go back four meetings in this series to find the last time a team got off more than 56 field goal attempts and that contest still totalled 'only' 128 points back in January of last year. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
03-10-23 | Arkansas v. Texas A&M UNDER 137.5 | Top | 61-67 | Win | 100 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
SEC Tournament Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Arkansas and Texas A&M at 7 pm et on Friday. These two teams were involved in an anomaly of a high-scoring affair in their first meeting this season as that contest totalled 151 points with Texas A&M getting off an otherworldly (by the Aggies own standards) 76 field goal attempts in a double-digit loss. The rematch proved far more 'normal', reaching only 118 points in a tightly-contested A&M home victory. I'm anticipating something in between here but do feel the total will prove too high. Arkansas has seen the 'over' cash in five of its last six games as a number of its recent opponents have quite simply shot the lights out. The pace hasn't necessarily been there for such high-scoring affairs, noting yesterday's game in particular where the Razorbacks and Auburn Tigers combined to hoist up only 101 field goal attempts yet we saw 149 total points scored. All told, the Hogs have limited seven of their last eight opponents to fewer than 60 FG attempts and I'm confident they'll do the same here, noting that Texas A&M ranks 244th in the country in adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom) and has gotten off 54 or fewer FG attempts in seven of its last eight contests. In fact, the Aggies have been held to fewer than 20 made field goals in four of their last six games yet here we find them in a pk'em price range against Arkansas. That lends itself to a relatively low-scoring affair in my opinion, noting that the Aggies have been nothing but consistent defensively, holding an incredible seven straight opponents to 23 or fewer made field goals, including the Razorbacks (to 22) on February 15th. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
03-09-23 | Tulsa v. Wichita State OVER 139 | Top | 63-81 | Win | 100 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
AAC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Tulsa and Wichita State at 7 pm et on Thursday. Both regular season meetings between these two teams surpassed the total we're dealing with on Thursday and I believe the number will prove too low once again. Tulsa enters this game on an 11-game losing streak, not to mention a four-game 'under' streak. The Golden Hurricane offense went in the tank down the stretch but I do think this is a favorable matchup, noting that Tulsa has hung relatively tough with Wichita State in all five meetings going back to the start of 2022, with the largest margin of defeat over that stretch being 11 points. The Golden Hurricane knocked down 27 and 25 field goals in this year's two matchups, scoring 69 and 75 points. The problem here is that Tulsa doesn't match up particularly well defensively. Wichita State has made good on 24 or more field goals in 10 of its last 11 games and faces a Tulsa defense that has yielded 25 or more made field goals in an incredible 19 of its last 21 games. I don't think the Golden Hurricane will shy away from an up-tempo affair here though, noting that they rank 146th in the country this season in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom) despite facing the 95th most difficult schedule. The Shockers stepped up with a dominant defensive effort against South Florida last time out but that might have just been an off shooting night for the Bulls as they still got off 58 field goal attempts. Prior to that, Wichita State had allowed at least 23 made field goals in 16 straight games, yielding 27 or more on eight occasions over that stretch. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
03-09-23 | Colorado v. UCLA UNDER 133 | Top | 69-80 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 43 m | Show |
Pac-12 Tournament Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Colorado and UCLA at 3 pm et on Thursday. Colorado exploded in the second half against Washington yesterday, scoring 46 points on its way to a 74-68 win. Keep in mind, the Buffaloes M.O. this season has been their defense, ranking 19th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency despite facing the 43rd most difficult schedule (both according to KenPom). I certainly expect to see the pace slow down in today's matchup (Colorado got off 66 field goal attempts in yesterday's win), noting that favored UCLA ranks 223rd in the nation in adjusted tempo this season and should be able to control proceedings much like it did during the lone regular season matchup between these two teams (the Bruins won that game 60-56 on February 26th). For UCLA, it has its sights set on a tournament championship, but also on much loftier goals starting next week. I'm not expecting a peak performance from the Bruins offense here, noting that even in an anomaly of a game that saw them hoist up 67 field goal attempts against up-tempo Arizona last time out, they still knocked down 'only' 28 field goals. Colorado enters this contest having held three straight opponents to 24 or fewer made field goals, including that aforementioned matchup with UCLA in which it yielded 22. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
03-09-23 | Pittsburgh v. Duke UNDER 142 | 69-96 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 1 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Pittsburgh and Duke at 2:30 pm et on Thursday. While Pittsburgh is coming off a wild 89-81 win over Georgia Tech yesterday I think it knows that it is unlikely to enjoy similar success by employing that same style of play against Duke on Thursday. Case in point, the first regular season matchup between these two teams as the Panthers got off to a red hot start but ultimately gave the Blue Devils far too many scoring opportunities (66 field goal attempts) and paid the price in a 77-69 road loss in January. While Pitt has regularly gotten into the 70's, 80's and even 90's in terms of scoring this season, it's worth noting that it has only faced the 102nd most difficult schedule in the country - a relatively low rating for a team from a major conference. Here, it will be facing a Duke squad that checks in 27th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and 292nd in adjusted tempo (both according to KenPom). The Blue Devils have faced the nation's 72nd toughest slate of opponents. Another team with loftier goals beginning next week, but also with its sights firmly set on an ACC Tournament title, I'm not convinced we see Duke come out with a peak offensive performance in its opener in Greensboro. Both teams should have an interest in effectively shortening proceedings here, albeit for different reasons, and I think that lends itself to a lower-scoring contest than most are expecting. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
03-08-23 | Oregon State +10 v. Arizona State | Top | 57-63 | Win | 100 | 16 h 13 m | Show |
Pac-12 Tournament Game of the Year. My selection is on Oregon State plus the points over Arizona State at 11:30 pm et on Wednesday. We missed with Oregon State on Saturday as the Beavers won but failed to cover the spread against lowly California. While that was a rather uninspiring performance from OSU I do think it's well positioned to get back in the win column from an ATS perspective as it catches a generous helping of points against Arizona State in the first round Pac-12 Tournament action. Note that this will be the third matchup between these two teams this season. The Sun Devils took the first two but neither game was a blowout as they won by five and 11 points. Arizona State actually got off only 49 and 47 field goal attempts in those two contests, making good on a combined 46 of them. The difference was that ASU set up shop at the free throw line, getting there 27 and 26 times. I certainly don't expect a repeat of that here, noting that the Sun Devils average only 18 trips to the charity stripe per game this season. We know Oregon State is capable of slowing this game to a crawl, effectively shortening proceedings which is what we want to see from an underdog in this pointspread range. Note that the Beavers have held seven straight opponents to 58 or fewer FG attempts, allowing more than 25 made field goals just twice over that stretch. While Arizona State does rate well defensively, I do think Oregon State can find some success offensively, noting that the Sun Devils have allowed an incredible 21 straight opponents to knock down at least 20 field goals (that's not a lofty number by any means but can work as a reasonable floor for the Beavers here). In stark contrast, Oregon State has held three of its last 12 opponents to fewer than 20 made field goals. Take Oregon State (10*). | |||||||
03-08-23 | Wake Forest v. Syracuse OVER 153 | Top | 77-74 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 50 m | Show |
ACC Tournament Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Wake Forest and Syracuse at 12 noon et on Wednesday. This will be the second meeting in less than a week between these two ACC schools after Saturday's contest went Syracuse's way by a score of 72-63. That relatively low-scoring result has afforded us a lower posted total this time around. I believe it will prove too low. The pace was certainly there for a higher-scoring contest on Saturday but neither team was able to make the most of their scoring opportunities. Still, Syracuse has now allowed four straight and seven of its last eight opponents to hoist up 60 or more field goal attempts while Wake Forest has yielded 27 or more made field goals in 10 of its last 11 games. The Demon Deacons have struggled to adjust to life without Damari Monsanto after he went down with an injury on February 22nd. I do think facing the same opponent in succession will help their cause here, however, noting that they're favored for a reason in this game. They'll certainly need to pick up the scoring pace here as they can't expect Syracuse to shoot a woeful 2-of-14 from three-point range the way it did on Saturday (the fact that it still scored 72 points was impressive). Note that Wake does check in 63rd in the country in adjusted tempo this season according to KenPom. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
03-07-23 | Georgia Tech -1.5 v. Florida State | 61-60 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on Georgia Tech minus the points over Florida State at 2 pm et on Tuesday. While few have been paying much attention, Georgia Tech enters the ACC Tournament playing its best basketball of the season, having won eight straight games ATS. It hasn't been by smoke and mirrors either. The Yellow Jackets have climbed to 140th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency while facing the 82nd most difficult schedule (both according to KenPom). While their overall offensive numbers still lag, we've certainly seen a positive turnaround down the stretch. Georgia Tech has knocked down 26 or more field goals in nine straight games entering Tuesday's contest. In stark contrast, Florida State has reached that number just twice in its last six games. Also note that the Seminoles rank a miserable 244th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency and have allowed at least 27 made field goals in seven of their last nine contests overall. The Noles got the better of the Yellow Jackets in the two teams' lone regular season matchup but I expect a different result on Tuesday. Take Georgia Tech (8*). | |||||||
03-06-23 | Cleveland State v. Wisc-Milwaukee OVER 147.5 | Top | 93-80 | Win | 100 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
Horizon League Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland State and Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 9:30 pm et on Monday. I like the way this one sets up as a high-scoring affair after Wisconsin-Milwaukee posted a rare 'under' result in its quarter-final matchup with Wright State. Monday's opponent, Cleveland State, has been a completely different team over the last month, hoisting up 60 or more field goal attempts in seven of its last eight games overall. Keep in mind, this is a team that still checks in 271st in the country in adjusted tempo this season according to KenPom. The Panthers on the other hand rank 17th in the nation in that category. Note that Milwaukee checks in just 219th in adjusted defensive efficiency despite facing just the 289th most difficult schedule in the country. I think the Panthers were fortunate to allow 'only' 72 and 70 points in their last two games despite yielding 74 and 68 FG attempts. Cleveland State figures to take advantage of Milwaukee's defensive warts, noting that the Vikings have knocked down 26 or more field goals in six straight games and 28+ in five of those contests. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
03-05-23 | Michigan v. Indiana UNDER 143.5 | Top | 73-75 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 51 m | Show |
Big Ten Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Michigan and Indiana at 4:30 pm et on Sunday. We'll fade the 'over' streaks for both of these teams on Sunday afternoon as Michigan enters on the heels of consecutive 'over' results while Indiana has seen each of its last three games go 'over' the total. I certainly don't think Michigan wants to get involved in another track meet here after allowing 70 field goal attempts in each of its last two contests. Prior to that, the Wolverines had held four of their last five opponents to fewer than 60 field goal attempts. Despite their recent run of 'over' results, the Hoosiers have still made good on 25 or fewer field goals in five of their last seven games overall. Indiana continues to do a good job of limiting its opponents' scoring opportunities, yielding 58 or fewer FG attempts in seven of its last nine contests. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled only 123 points. We've seen a slight adjustment to the total for this rematch but I don't believe it will be enough. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
03-04-23 | California v. Oregon State -6.5 | 66-69 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 32 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oregon State minus the points over California at 8 pm et on Saturday. After a no-show against Stanford on Thursday I look for Oregon State to bounce back and lay waste to a reeling California squad in its regular season finale in Corvallis on Saturday. Cal is coming off another ugly loss, this time at the hands of Oregon, by a score of 84-51 on Thursday. The Beavers weren't much better, dropping an 83-60 decision against the Cardinal. This is an ideal 'get right' spot for Oregon State in its home finale as it looks to snap a four-game losing streak, noting that it has already defeated Cal by 20 points once this season, on the road no less. Take Oregon State (8*). | |||||||
03-04-23 | Kansas v. Texas -2 | Top | 59-75 | Win | 100 | 23 h 3 m | Show |
Big 12 Game of the Month. My selection is on Texas minus the points over Kansas at 4 pm et on Saturday. Kansas is red hot having won seven straight games. It hasn't looked particularly impressive in its last two victories, however, failing to cover the spread on both occasions. Here, I expect the Jayhawks to have their win streak stopped by a Texas team determined to end its two-game skid to close out the regular season at home. This is a revenge spot for the Longhorns as well after they dropped a spirited 88-80 affair in Lawrence back on February 6th. Note that Texas has lost just once at home this season, that coming in a wild 116-103 setback against Kansas State in January. The Longhorns current two-game slide is their longest such streak of the season. I don't like the fact that Kansas has given up more than 60 field goal attempts in three straight games entering this contest, opening the door for a Texas offense that has knocked down 25 or more field goals in four straight games and figures to bounce back after making good on only 25-of-64 FG attempts in a narrow two-point loss at TCU last time out. Take Texas (10*). | |||||||
03-04-23 | Iowa State v. Baylor UNDER 136.5 | 73-58 | Win | 100 | 19 h 50 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Iowa State and Baylor at 12 noon et on Saturday. The first meeting between these two teams this season did sail 'over' the total but we're working with a higher number this time around and I believe it will prove too high. Iowa State made the most of its opportunities given its limitations offensively but still scored 'only' 69 points in its fourth straight loss, this one coming at the hands of West Virginia on Monday. You would have to go all the way back to February 4th to find the last time the Cyclones made good on more than 24 field goals in a game. They do continue to hold up well defensively, however, limiting six of their last nine opponents to 50 or fewer field goal attempts. They'll undoubtedly be looking to 'ugly it up' in this difficult road game against Baylor as well. Baylor has topped out at 26 made field goals over its last six games. The Bears aren't exactly pushing the pace, hoisting up fewer than 60 field goal attempts in seven straight games entering Saturday's contest. After allowing Texas and Oklahoma State to each get off 60 or more FG attempts in their last two games, I look for the Bears to clamp down on the Cyclones offense in this revenge spot. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
03-03-23 | The Citadel +6.5 v. Mercer | 41-66 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 32 m | Show | |
My selection is on The Citadel plus the points over Mercer at 5 pm et on Friday. These two teams just met last weekend as Mercer routed The Citadel by 22 points. I'm anticipating a far more competitive affair on Friday, however, noting that The Citadel is an impressive 8-1 ATS when playing away from home off a road loss by 10 points or more over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of only 0.3 points in that spot. Meanwhile, Mercer is 2-10 ATS in road/neutral site games after posting consecutive ATS victories, which is also the situation here, outscored by 8.1 points on average in that situation. Take The Citadel (8*). | |||||||
03-02-23 | Stanford v. Oregon State +5 | Top | 83-60 | Loss | -110 | 30 h 3 m | Show |
Pac-12 Game of the Month. My selection is on Oregon State plus the points over Stanford at 9 pm et on Thursday. We won with Stanford in its double-digit victory over Washington last Sunday - a true 'get right' spot for the Cardinal after they had lost three games in a row. Now I feel the shoe is on the other foot as Stanford heads out on the road to face Oregon State on Thursday. The Beavers enter this contest having dropped three games in a row, including a tough two-point setback against rival Oregon last Saturday. I do think Oregon State can be a thorn in Stanford's side here, noting that the Beavers rank 109th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency this season and 338th in adjusted tempo (both according to KenPom), perhaps offering a bit of a 'shock to the system' to the Cardinal after they faced Washington (which ranks 78th in adjusted tempo) last time out. For Stanford, it might be easy to overlook to the Beavers with a tougher (on paper) road tilt against the Oregon Ducks on tap on Saturday. That wouldn't be wise, however, as Oregon State has staged recent home upsets against the likes of Colorado and USC (both since the start of February). Take Oregon State (10*). | |||||||
03-01-23 | Massachusetts v. Duquesne OVER 148.5 | Top | 79-88 | Win | 100 | 9 h 46 m | Show |
Atlantic-10 Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between UMass and Duquesne at 7 pm et on Wednesday. I'm not sure the oddsmakers can set this total high enough with UMass coming off three consecutive 'under' results and Duquesne checking off a low-scoring game of its own. The first meeting between these teams this season produced 166 total points. Neither team shot particularly well in that contest but the game was played at an exceptionally fast pace. I expect a similar up-tempo affair here. The Minutemen had been rolling along offensively, having knocked down 25 or more field goals in seven of their last nine games, before running into a tough Dayton defense last time out. Meanwhile, Duquesne has connected on 25 or more field goals in eight of its last nine contests, making good on 28 or more in six of its last eight games. Both teams have been solid on occasion defensively, but not with any consistency. I just don't see either side shying away from a track meet here. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-28-23 | Florida v. Georgia OVER 144.5 | Top | 77-67 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 3 m | Show |
SEC Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Florida and Georgia at 7 pm et on Tuesday. We've seen a considerable adjustment to the total since the first meeting between these two teams this season - an 82-75 Florida victory back on January 7th. That game saw a closing total of 136 points. I believe the shift is warranted. Since that time, the Gators have lost forward Colin Castleton for the season with a hand injury. Much was made about the lost offense with Castleton sidelined, but there's a defensive aspect as well. Since Castleton went down, Florida has played three games. In those three contests, the Gators were torched for 34, 33 and 31 made field goals. While the reeling Bulldogs figure to offer a reprieve, at least on paper, I'm not so easily convinced. Note that Florida has been giving up scoring opportunities aplenty with 11 of its last 13 opponents hoisting up at least 60 field goal attempts. Georgia's offense has been stuck in the mud but has also been held to 56 or fewer field goal attempts in nine of its last 10 games. Here, I think we see the Bulldogs push the pace more than usual, noting that they got off a whopping 68 FG attempts in a loss but ATS cover in the last meeting between these teams. Note that Castleton had seven blocks and eight defensive boards in that game so his absence figures to open things up. I mentioned Florida's struggling defense but Georgia is in the same boat. The Bulldogs have allowed 39, 37 and 33 made field goals over their last three contests. Like Florida, Georgia has also had a difficult time slowing down the opposition, yielding at least 57 FG attempts in 15 of its last 17 games. After a lull in late January and early February, the Gators have connected on 32, 29, 22, 26 and 27 field goals over their last five games. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-27-23 | West Virginia v. Iowa State -4 | Top | 72-69 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 21 m | Show |
Big 12 Game of the Month. My selection is on Iowa State minus the points over West Virginia at 9 pm et on Monday. Last Monday we saw West Virginia rout Oklahoma State but I think the shoe is on the other foot this week as the Mountaineers stay on the road for a second game in three days. WVU is coming off a narrow two-point defeat at mighty Kansas on Saturday. The Mountaineers have now hoisted up more than 60 field goal attempts in three straight games but I think they're in for a 'shock to the system' against a revenge-minded Cyclones squad on Monday. That's because Iowa State ranks eighth in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and 325th in adjusted tempo this season, not to mention the fact that it has faced the sixth most difficult schedule (all according to KenPom). The Cyclones are coming off three straight losses, both SU and ATS, going cold offensively at the wrong time. I do think the door is open for a breakout performance offensively here, however, noting that West Virginia has allowed 30, 26, 29, 20 and 28 made field goals over its last five games. The outlier over that stretch came against a fast-fading Oklahoma State squad last Monday. There really wasn't much separating these two teams in their earlier meeting this season - a game West Virginia won by a 76-71 score. The difference ended up being the Mountaineers making good on seven more free throws, getting to the charity stripe 31 times in that contest. The Cyclones have been a more disciplined team in that regard here at home this season, where they've yielded just 17 free throw attempts per contest. Take Iowa State (10*). | |||||||
02-26-23 | Washington v. Stanford -5.5 | Top | 69-81 | Win | 100 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
Pac-12 Game of the Week. My selection is on Stanford minus the points over Washington at 6 pm et on Sunday. We won with the 'under' in Stanford's home loss against Washington State on Thursday but I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the Cardinal as they look to take their frustrations out on Washington, and snap their three-game skid in the process, on Sunday. Washington has been fortunate to run into a very manageable schedule lately, reeling off three straight victories over Oregon, Oregon State and California. The Huskies have been fortunate that their last two opponents haven't been able to make the most of their scoring opportunities as punchless Beavers and Golden Bears squads made good on just 20 field goals apiece despite both getting off well north of 60 field goal attempts. Should the Cardinal reach that level of shot-volume here they have the potential to go off offensively. Stanford has been the picture of consistency from an offensive standpoint, knocking down 23 or more field goals in eight straight games and 28 or more in half of those contests. A tough slate of opponents let to a defensive lull from Stanford earlier this month but I did like what I saw on Thursday as the Cardinal limited Washington State to only 48 field goal attempts in the narrow defeat. Washington doesn't figure to offer a stiff test in that regard as the Huskies have managed to get off 57 or fewer field goal attempts in six straight games, making good on 23 or less in four of those contests. This is a big revenge spot for the Cardinal after they dropped an 86-69 stunner in Washington back in January. Stanford quite simply had an off shooting night and ended up chasing for much of the game, ultimately getting off a whopping 70 FG attempts but connecting on only 24 of them. I look for a much sharper performance from the revenge-minded Cardinal here. Take Stanford (10*). | |||||||
02-26-23 | Siena v. Iona UNDER 139.5 | 60-93 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 27 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Siena and Iona at 1 pm et on Sunday. We got precisely the results we wanted from both of these teams on Friday to set up this play on Sunday afternoon. Siena held a fifth straight opponent to fewer than 70 points but fell by a 69-66 score at Rider, eclipsing the total by a bucket. Iona, meanwhile, routed Mount St. Mary's by an 80-68 score, easily shooting north of the total. While the Gaels have become known for their high-powered offense over the years, it's been a bit of a different story this season. They've leaned heavily on their defense, which has arguably been the best in the MAAC. Iona enters Sunday's contest having held eight straight opponents to 24 or fewer made field goals. Offensively, you would have to go back seven games to find the last time the Gaels got off more than 60 field goal attempts - a stark contrast to the pace we've seen from them in recent years. Siena doesn't figure likely to push the tempo here, noting that it hasn't hoisted up 60 or more field goals in any of its last nine contests. You would have to go back eight games to find the last time the Saints knocked down more than 23 field goals themselves. Siena ranks a respectable 138th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency this season (according to KenPom) and hasn't allowed 60 or more field goal attempts in a game since New Year's Day and that contest against Fairfield still totalled only 131 points. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
02-25-23 | Indiana v. Purdue UNDER 138.5 | Top | 79-71 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 56 m | Show |
My selection is on the 'under' between Indiana and Purdue at 7:30 pm et on Saturday. The first meeting between these two teams this season got into the 150's as both sides shot exceptionally well in Indiana's 79-74 home victory. The pace wasn't necessarily there for a high-scoring affair, nor do I expect it to be there in Saturday's rematch. Note that Indiana has had a tough enough time just getting shots off lately, let alone knocking them down. The Hoosiers have hoisted up 53 or fewer field goal attempts in four of their last five games. On the flip side, only one of their last eight opponents has gotten off 60 or more field goal attempts and Purdue, which ranks 325th in the country in adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom) doesn't figure to challenge that here. The Boilermakers have limited six of their last seven opponents to 57 or fewer field goal attempts. Since connecting on a whopping 33 field goals in a rout of Iowa on February 9th, the Boilers have made good on just 17, 22 and 27 field goals over their last three contests. With Indiana having limited five straight and 11 of its last 12 foes to 26 or fewer made field goals, I don't anticipate anything coming easy in this one, even with revenge on the minds of the Boilers on their home floor. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
02-25-23 | Oral Roberts v. South Dakota State OVER 152.5 | Top | 69-65 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 57 m | Show |
Summit League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Oral Roberts and South Dakota State at 3 pm et on Saturday. We got exactly the result we wanted from both of these teams two nights ago as they were both involved in lower-scoring than expected affairs to set us up with a reasonable total on Saturday. This is certainly a game South Dakota State has had circled since dropping an ugly 79-40 loss in its first meeting with Oral Roberts back in December. Note that the Jackrabbits enter this game on a serious offensive tear, having knocked down at least 27 field goals in six straight games, connecting on 30 or more in four of those contests. I do worry about South Dakota State defensively in this game, however, as it serves as a potential 'shock to the system' spot after holding a punchless UMKC offense to 50 points on 19-of-58 shooting on Thursday. Keep in mind, UMKC ranks 324th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency and 330th in adjusted tempo this season according to KenPom. Oral Roberts represents a stark contrast, checking in 21st in adjusted offensive efficiency and 36th in adjusted tempo. Like South Dakota State, Oral Roberts has been on point offensively, making good on 30 or more field goals in six of its last seven and nine of its last 10 games overall. The Golden Eagles are vulnerable defensively, however, having allowed their last five opponents to knock down 30, 29, 25, 28 and 27 field goals. They've shown no interest (or ability) to slow their opponents' pace, yielding 60 or more field goal attempts in 12 of their last 14 games. South Dakota State might try to slow things down at times in this one but will be hard-pressed to do so against an ORU squad that has hoisted up 63 or more FG attempts in seven of its last nine contests. Projected to be playing from behind for much of this game as a considerable home underdog, I'm not convinced the Jackrabbits will be able to avoid the temptation of a track meet here. Keep in mind, it was almost a year to the day (February 24th, 2022) that these two teams were involved in a thriller that totalled a whopping 208 points. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-24-23 | Fairfield v. Niagara OVER 124.5 | Top | 68-76 | Win | 100 | 11 h 18 m | Show |
MAAC Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Fairfield and Niagara at 7 pm et on Friday. We got the result we wanted to set up this play in last Sunday's low-scoring 61-52 Niagara loss at Marist. While the Purple Eagles rate a ridiculous 350th in the country in adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom), the oddsmakers have adjusted their totals accordingly and we haven't seen them post consecutive 'under' results since January 20th and 22nd (only one of those games stayed 'under' the total we're working with tonight). Fairfield has seen each of its last three contests go 'over' the total. This isn't the same stout defensive Stags squad we've come to expect. They've allowed five of their last seven opponents to knock down at least 25 field goals (one of those results was aided by overtime). While Fairfield won't 'wow' you offensively, it has at least shown some consistency, making good on 21 or more field goals in 10 straight games entering Friday's matchup. This is an ideal 'get right' spot for Niagara's offense. It got off 59 field goal attempts but could only make good on 17 of them against an improved Marist squad last Sunday. On the flip side, you would have to go all the way back to December 18th to find the last time the Purple Eagles held an opponent to fewer than 20 made field goals. They've yielded 24 or more successful field goal attempts in three of their last five contests. In the lone previous matchup between these two teams this season we saw 146 total points despite the two combining to knock down only seven three-pointers (they average 12 made threes per game combined this season). The pace was there in that game and Fairfield was able to get to the free throw line with consistency (as has often been the case this season as the Stags average 21 FT attempts per game). I like the fact that this game will be played at Niagara as the Purple Eagles have been a more efficient offensive team on their home floor, averaging two more made field goals per game compared to their season average, despite getting off one less field goal attempt on average. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-23-23 | Washington State v. Stanford UNDER 135 | Top | 67-63 | Win | 100 | 16 h 31 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Washington State and Stanford at 11 pm et on Thursday. A lot has happened since these two Pac-12 squads last met back on January 14th. Most notably, the 'over' has gone 5-4 in Washington State's last nine games and 6-4 in Stanford's last 10 contests, including three straight Cardinal 'over' results entering Thursday's rematch. I'm expecting a game closely resembling what we saw back in January here, noting that game totalled just 119 points with both teams topping out at 22 made field goals and neither getting off more than 51 field goal attempts. Note that Washington State has held five of its last six opponents to 56 or fewer FG attempts. Stanford hasn't enjoyed the same type of defensive success and let's face it, the sudden uptick in the Cardinal's pace hasn't been working in their favor as they've lost four of their last five games. With that being said, I do think Stanford can get back on track defensively here, noting that Washington State ranks 328th in the country in adjusted tempo this season, according to KenPom. The Cougars knocked down 29 and 27 field goals last week as it enjoyed consecutive wins against Oregon State and Oregon. Prior to that they had been held to 24 or fewer made field goals in eight of their last nine contests. This isn't a court where Washington State has enjoyed a ton of offensive success in recent years, knocking down 20, 22, 21 and 24 field goals in its last four trips. Stanford has been rolling along offensively, making good on 28 or more field goals in three straight games but again, that has had something to do with playing at a faster pace than we've been accustomed to seeing from the Cardinal. Note that it figures to face resistance here as Washington State ranks 53rd in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency this season despite having faced the 15th most difficult schedule (both according to KenPom). Take the under (10*). | |||||||
02-22-23 | Wake Forest v. NC State OVER 155 | 74-90 | Win | 100 | 13 h 3 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Wake Forest and N.C. State at 9 pm et on Wednesday. I'm not convinced the oddsmakers can set this total high enough as the Demon Deacons and Wolfpack renew acquaintances on Wednesday night in Raleigh. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled 156 points back on January 28th. The pace was certainly there on that night as we saw a whopping 129 field goal attempts. The Wolfpack did their part, knocking down 32-of-69 shots from the field but the Demon Deacons had an off night shooting the basketball, connecting on only 26-of-60 field goal attempts. You could say that N.C. State has been fortunate that its last few opponents haven't been able to make the most of their scoring opportunities. The Wolfpack have allowed 61, 62 and 62 FG attempts over that stretch but none of those three foes managed to knock down more than 27. Wake Forest figures to test N.C. State in that regard here as the revenge-minded Demon Deacons have made good on 28 or more field goals in eight of their last 13 contests. On the flip side, Wake Forest leaves a lot to be desired defensively, having allowed its last seven opponents to knock down 28, 32, 27, 27, 30, 27 and 37 field goals. Meanwhile, N.C. State is locked-in offensively right now, pushing the pace and making the most of its scoring opportunities having connected on 37, 30 and 32 field goals over its last three games since an embarrassing 19-of-57 shooting effort against one of the best defensive teams in the country, Virginia, back on February 7th. All told, the Wolfpack have made good on 28 or more field goals in six of their last eight games overall. The Demon Deacons have shown little interest (or ability) to slow down their opponents, allowing 60 or more FG attempts in seven of their last nine games and 63 or more in four straight contests. This game is a matchup of two teams that both rank inside the top-75 in the country in adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). Take the over (8*). | |||||||
02-22-23 | Arkansas State v. UL - Lafayette -14 | Top | 74-85 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
Sun Belt Game of the Year. My selection is on Louisiana-Lafayette minus the points over Arkansas State at 8:30 pm et on Wednesday. The first meeting between these two teams this season saw Louisiana-Lafayette prevail by an 80-71 score on the road but that final tally doesn't tell the whole story. Arkansas State shot the lights out from beyond the arc to keep pace in that contest, knocking down 11-of-22 three-point attempts. Keep in mind, the Red Wolves average just 6-of-18 shooting from three-point range this season. In fact, Arkansas State is one of the worst offensive teams in the entire country, ranking 308th in adjusted offensive efficiency despite having faced only the 256th most difficult schedule (both according to KenPom). Not only that but the Red Wolves rank 342nd in adjusted tempo (also according to KenPom) so the scoring opportunities are rarely there to keep pace with superior opponents. That didn't stop them from securing a 75-70 win over Georgia State last time out. Of course, the Panthers have their own issues, ranking 320th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency but that's another story. Louisiana-Lafayette has hit a bit of a lull having dropped three of its last four games including a 74-68 decision on the road against a good James Madison squad last time out. I'm confident we'll see the Ragin' Cajuns take their frustrations out on the Red Wolves here, however. Note that Louisiana ranks an impressive 46th in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency despite having faced the 139th toughest slate of opponents. The Ragin' Cajuns have been the picture of consistency from an offensive standpoint, knocking down 24 or more field goals in eight straight and 27 of 28 games overall this season. That's in stark contrast to Arkansas State, which has made good on 24 or more field goals just once in its last eight contests. The Red Wolves had a tough enough time just getting shots off let alone making them, hoisting up 51 or fewer field goal attempts in five straight games entering tonight's clash. On the flip side, while it may seem impressive that Arkansas State has held its last five opponents to just 21, 21, 25, 21 and 25 made field goals, that's had everything to do with the fact that those five foes all got off 57 or fewer FG attempts. Louisiana-Lafayette has hoisted up 58 or more FG attempts in six of its last eight games and figures to push the pace here, noting that it shot 29-of-56 in its previous road tilt against Arkansas State this season. Take Louisiana-Lafayette (10*). | |||||||
02-21-23 | Youngstown State v. Robert Morris OVER 144 | 64-83 | Win | 100 | 11 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Youngstown State and Robert Morris at 7 pm et on Tuesday. While few are paying much attention, Youngstown State is currently on an incredible shooting run having knocked down 30 or more field goals in six straight games. In fact, you would have to go back 24 games - all the way to November 20th - to find the last time the Penguins were held to fewer than 26 made field goals. While the schedule has had something to do with it (they've faced the 326th most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom), the fact that they rank 30th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency (also according to KenPom) is impressive to say the least. While Robert Morris has held up well defensively of late (it has limited four straight opponents to 22 or fewer made field goals), the toughest offensive opponent it faced over that stretch was Cleveland State and the Vikings check in just 185th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 294th in adjusted tempo this season. Youngstown State should present somewhat of a 'shock to the system' here. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled 'only' 134 points in a Penguins blowout victory. Keep in mind, Robert Morris made good on just one three-pointers and five free throws in that contest. The Colonials average eight made threes and 12 successful free throws per contest here at home where tonight's rematch will be played. Robert Morris is by no means an offensive juggernaut but has knocked down at least 21 field goals in 23 straight games and could catch Youngstown State letting its guard down here after the Penguins routed Milwaukee and Green Bay by 29 and 30 points in their last two games. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
02-20-23 | Hawaii v. CS Bakersfield OVER 122.5 | Top | 61-50 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
Big West Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Hawaii and Cal State-Bakersfield at 8 pm et on Monday. Bakersfield has quietly gone on a 9-0 'over' run over its last nine contests and that includes an earlier 72-69 loss on the road against tonight's opponent, Hawaii, back on January 28th. The Roadrunners were held to fewer than 20 made field goals in seven of their first 18 games this season but have since found some consistency at the offensive end of the floor, knocking down 22 or more field goals in each of their last eight games, despite ranking 344th in the country in adjusted tempo this season according to KenPom. CSUB is also coming off a stellar defensive effort in an 'upset' win at Cal-Poly last time out. Stringing together strong defensive performances has proven difficult for the Roadrunners this season, however. Note that after holding an opponent to fewer than 20 made field goals, they've allowed 72, 63, 79, 65, 71, 67 and 79 points in their next contest. They've actually held two of their last three foes to less than 20 successful FG attempts, but those games came against two of the country's weakest offensive teams in Cal State-Northridge and Cal-Poly. Hawaii ranks an impressive 66th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency this season according to KenPom but has also faced only the 272nd most difficult schedule (also according to KenPom). The Rainbow Warriors have actually allowed seven of their last nine opponents to make good on at least 23 field goals. They were fortunate Long Beach State couldn't make the most of its scoring opportunities on Saturday as the 49ers got off 60 FG attempts but only connected on 25 of them (Hawaii won that game 70-67). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 31-16 in Hawaii's last 47 games as a road favorite or pk'em and 9-1 in CSUB's last 10 games when coming off an outright win as an underdog. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-19-23 | Rider v. Quinnipiac OVER 140 | Top | 88-90 | Win | 100 | 6 h 28 m | Show |
MAAC Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Rider and Quinnipiac at 2 pm et on Sunday. When these teams last met this season they combined to score 'only' 135 points, easily staying 'under' the closing total of 143.5. We're working with a lower posted total this time around and I believe it will prove too low. Rider has gone on an offensive tear over the last month or so, knocking down 29, 30, 26, 28, 25 and 30 field goals over its last six games and that's without facing the conference's fastest-paced team, Iona, a single time over that stretch. The Broncs defensive numbers have been terrific lately as well. They had held 11 straight opponents to 23 or fewer made field goals before giving up 26 in Friday's 81-78 loss to Canisius. With that being said, those results were certainly due in part to the slow-paced opponents they faced. Here, they'll be up against a Quinnipiac squad that ranks 57th in the country in adjusted tempo this season according to KenPom. Like the Broncs, the Bobcats have been consistently good offensively of late, connecting on 27, 29, 23, 29, 24 and 24 field goals over their last six games. The problem for Quinnipiac is that it is still giving up too many scoring opportunities to the opposition, allowing nine consecutive opponents to hoist up at least 58 field goal attempts. Given how hot Rider has been from the field, there's a good chance it goes off here if the pace ticks up at all. With that being said, the Bobcats are favored for a reason. I'm confident both teams do enough offensively to help this one 'over' the reasonable total. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-19-23 | North Carolina v. NC State OVER 151.5 | 69-77 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between North Carolina and N.C. State at 1 pm et on Sunday. These two teams combined to score 'only' 149 points in their first matchup this season. Interestingly, the Tar Heels scored 80 points in that game despite knocking down only 20-of-54 field goal attempts. The difference proved to be their ridiculous 36-of-39 performance from the free throw line. They were certainly fortunate that the Wolfpack couldn't make the most of their scoring opportunities in that game as N.C. State did get off 62 field goal attempts (connecting on only 26 of them). I would certainly anticipate a sharper offensive performance from the Wolfpack in this home rematch, noting that they enter on a serious tear having made good on 30 or more field goals in four of their last six contests. North Carolina has done a good job of keeping its opponents' pace down lately, but has still allowed 24 or more made field goals in eight straight games. Meanwhile, N.C. State has been fortunate that its last two opponents, Boston College and Syracuse, have had off nights shooting the basketball as those two foes hoisted up 61 and 62 FG attempts, respectively. North Carolina figures to be able to take advantage of that potential high shot volume, noting that it has knocked down 30, 32 and 29 field goals over its last three contests. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
02-18-23 | Baylor v. Kansas OVER 148.5 | Top | 71-87 | Win | 100 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Baylor and Kansas at 4 pm et on Saturday. We won with the 'under' in the first meeting between these two teams this season as Baylor prevailed by a score of 75-69 in a game that saw the scoring fizzle in the second half. The Bears were fortunate to win that contest as they struggled to make good on their scoring opportunities, connecting on just 23-of-62 field goal attempts. While they're the underdog this time around, I do actually expect a better offensive showing, noting that they rank first in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency this season according to KenPom and enter this game having made good on 25 or more field goals in five straight games. Few teams are as locked-in offensively as the Jayhawks right now. They've knocked down 33 or more field goals in each of their last three games. While they've posted a couple of standout defensive performances over their last five contests I still think it's worth noting that they haven't held a single opponent to fewer than 20 made field goals in a game this season. Part of that has to do with the fact that they play at a fast pace, ranking 70th in the nation in adjusted tempo (also according to KenPom). Kansas has hoisted up 60 or more FG attempts in five of its last six games overall and I'm confident we'll see it go on the aggressive in this 'revenge' spot on Saturday. Baylor, while a solid defensive team, has allowed nine consecutive opponents to knock down at least 24 field goals. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-18-23 | Boston College v. Florida State OVER 141.5 | 75-69 | Win | 100 | 6 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Boston College and Florida State at 12 noon et on Saturday. Both of these teams are coming off poor offensive showings last time out but I see this as an ideal 'get-right' spot in that regard for both on Saturday. Boston College once again got into the 60's in terms of field goal attempts (for the third time in its last four games) but could only make good on 21 of those attempts against a terrific Pittsburgh team on Tuesday. The Eagles have still connected on 26 or more field goals in three of their last four contests and should benefit from facing a Florida State team that ranks 254th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency this season according to KenPom. The Seminoles have apparently thrown defense out the window during a miserable 1-6 slide, allowing all seven of those opponents to knock down at least 25 field goals. Florida State is favored for a reason here, however. Boston College has also struggled defensively of late, allowing three straight opponents to hoist up 60 or more field goal attempts and six of its last seven foes to make good on at least 26 field goals. This is the first meeting between these two teams this season so it's a little tougher for the oddsmakers to gauge where exactly the total should be set. I believe it will prove too low. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
02-17-23 | Dayton v. Loyola-Chicago +7.5 | Top | 65-49 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 32 m | Show |
Atlantic-10 Game of the Year. My selection is on Loyola-Chicago plus the points over Dayton at 7 pm et on Friday. Most completely wrote off Loyola-Chicago from a betting perspective in mid-January and perhaps for good reason as the Ramblers had started the 22-23 campaign with a miserable 3-15 ATS record through 18 games. Since then, however, Loyola-Chicago has gone a respectable 3-4 SU and 5-2 ATS over its last seven games and while it sits in last-place in the Atlantic-10 standings, all is not lose given all 15 teams will take part in the conference tournament in March. Here, the Ramblers will have revenge on their minds after dropping a tough 85-81 decision at Dayton back on January 31st, in a game where the Flyers owned a 31-13 disparity in terms of free throw attempts (keeping in mind Dayton only averages three more trips to the charity stripe than Loyola-Chicago this season). That game kicked off a 4-1 ATS run for the Ramblers and I look for them to improve on that mark here. Note that Loyola-Chicago has really turned things around defensively. After a stretch that saw it allow 28 or more made field goals in five of seven games from December 22nd to January 18th, they've yielded 26 or fewer made field goals in six of their last seven contests. The outlier came in a game where they allowed St. Joseph's to knock down 28 of a whopping 68 field goal attempts. Dayton is highly unlikely to approach that level of shot volume here, noting that it ranks 339th in the country in adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). Offensively, we've seen more consistency from the Ramblers during their recent uptick as they've knocked down 23 or more field goals in six of their last seven games with the low-water mark coming earlier this week when they made good on only 21 field goals but still pulled out a 64-62 win at UMass. As I mentioned, Dayton plays at a very slow pace. The Flyers have hoisted up 56 or fewer field goal attempts in 10 of their last 12 games overall. While they are a terrific defensive team, it's not as if they've been completely shutting down opposing offenses. Dayton has yielded at least 20 made field goals in 12 straight contests, including that game against Loyola-Chicago in which the Ramblers connected on 29-of-59 FG attempts. These two teams have faced almost identical schedules in terms of difficulty this season (according to KenPom) and while Dayton has proven to be the superior squad to be sure, Loyola-Chicago has at least narrowed the gap in recent weeks. I'm still not convinced the betting marketplace has caught up with the Ramblers improved play so I'll grab all the points I can get here. Take Loyola-Chicago (10*). | |||||||
02-16-23 | Stanford v. UCLA OVER 130.5 | Top | 64-73 | Win | 100 | 15 h 50 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Stanford and UCLA at 11 pm et on Thursday. It's easy to forget that the first meeting between these two teams produced 146 points as that matchup took place way back on December 1st. Since then, UCLA has been an 'under' machine, cashing at a 12-5 clip over its last 16 games. That leads us to a lower posted total for this rematch. I believe it will prove too low. Stanford enjoyed a nice run in late-January but has largely been an afterthought in the Pac-12 this season. With that being said, I have a lot of respect for the Cardinal offensively, noting that they rank 64th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency this season according to KenPom, despite facing the nation's 63rd most difficult schedule (also according to KenPom). You would have to go back 19 games to find the last time Stanford was held to fewer than 20 made field goals in a game (I use that number as UCLA has held six of its last 11 opponents to fewer than 20 made field goals). Over their last five games, the Cardinal have impressively knocked down 28, 26, 24, 23 and 33 field goals. They've scored at least 62 points in eight straight contests. Unfortunately, the Cardinal defense hasn't been along for the ride, allowing 25, 29, 27 and 28 made field goals over its last four games. There's a good chance we see the Bruins offense go off in this one, noting that Stanford has also yielded more than 60 field goal attempts in three of its last four contests opening the door for a sharp-shooting Bruins squad that has made good on 25 or more field goals in four straight games, despite hoisting up 53 or fewer field goal attempts in two of those contests. UCLA ranks 24th in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency despite having faced the 39th toughest slate of opponents to date (both according to KenPom once again). I do expect the Bruins to get pushed a bit in this one and I believe that lends itself to a relatively high-scoring affair. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-15-23 | Virginia Tech v. Georgia Tech +8 | Top | 70-77 | Win | 100 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Year. My selection is on Georgia Tech plus the points over Virginia Tech at 7 pm et on Wednesday. We cashed a previous big ticket on Georgia Tech in its upset home win over Miami in early January but have left the Yellow Jackets alone since and probably for good reason as they followed up that victory with a 1-7 ATS slide. However, we have seen signs of life once again from Georgia Tech lately as it enters Wednesday's matchup with Virginia Tech off three straight ATS victories. Last time out it suffered a narrow one-point loss as a 13-point underdog at Wake Forest. While few are paying attention to them, I believe the Yellow Jackets are in good position to at the very least take the Hokies down to the wire on Wednesday. We haven't necessarily seen the payoff just yet but the Jackets are doing a nice job of pushing the pace, having gotten off 60 or more field goal attempts in three of their last four and seven of their last 10 games overall. Here, they'll face a Hokies squad that has been terrific offensively in recent weeks but it has seemingly come at the expense of their defensive play. Virginia Tech checks in having allowed 29, 23, 35, 25, 29 and 34 made field goals over its last six contests. Of those six opponents only two got off more than 60 field goal attempts so it's not as if the opposition has found success only by volume-shooting. As I mentioned, Virginia Tech is on a tear offensively, however Georgia Tech does figure to offer some resistance. The Yellow Jackets check in a respectable 140th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency despite facing the 66th most difficult schedule (both according to KenPom). They've held their last four opponents to just 21, 26, 23 and 23 made field goals and that's despite three of those games coming on the road. Also note that Georgia Tech has limited eight of its last 10 opponents to fewer than 60 FG attempts and ranks 220th in the nation in adjusted tempo this season. There's a path for the revenge-minded Yellow Jackets (they dropped both meetings in this series last season) to effectively shorten this game and stay inside the generous pointspread. Take Georgia Tech (10*). | |||||||
02-14-23 | Miami-OH v. Toledo UNDER 157 | 71-89 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Miami-Ohio and Toledo at 7 pm et on Tuesday. These two teams just met on January 31st in a game that totalled 159 points. It's worth noting that both teams shot the lights out in that game with Miami-Ohio connecting on 31-of-58 field goal attempts and Toledo knocking down 33-of-64. It was a similar story in the Redhawks and Rockets previous matchup last February in Toledo as Miami-Ohio made good on a ridiculous 14 three-pointers (it averages six made threes per game on the road this season) while the Rockets knocked down 35-of-65 FG attempts. Here, we'll note that while Toledo does play fast, it doesn't play any faster at home compared to on the road and I do think Miami-Ohio can at least slow the Rockets down to a certain extent, noting that the Redhawks have limited opponents to just 55 FG attempts per contest on the road this season and check in having impressively limited their foes to fewer than 60 FG attempts in 11 of their last 13 games overall. While Miami-Ohio doesn't rate out well defensively this season according to KenPom, it has played better lately, holding 10 of its last 13 opponents to 27 or fewer made field goals and four of its last six to 26 or less. Offensively, the Redhawks are once again sputtering, having made good on 24, 24, 31, 22, 26 and 20 field goals over their last six contests. The lone outlier over that stretch came against Toledo but we've seen the Rockets right the ship defensively since, yielding just 20, 27 and 26 made field goals over their last three games, despite allowing 65 or more FG attempts in two of those three contests. After knocking down 30 or more field goals in four of five games from January 17th to 31st, Toledo has made good on just 28, 26 and 24 field goals over its last three games. While you would have to go back three meetings to find the last 'under' result in this series, we haven't seen three straight meetings go 'over' the total (or push) since 2016-17. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
02-14-23 | Buffalo +5.5 v. Ohio | Top | 61-85 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 0 m | Show |
MAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Buffalo plus the points over Ohio at 7 pm et on Tuesday. We won with Buffalo in the first meeting between these two teams this season and I won't hesitate to back the Bulls again in Tuesday's rematch in Ohio. While Buffalo has been involved in its share of track meets this season, I believe it is a better defensive team than most give it credit for. The Bulls got off to a terrible start at that end of the floor in non-conference play but have certainly turned things around over the last month or so, limiting eight of their last 12 opponents to 27 or fewer made field goals. That's despite 10 of those 12 foes hoisting up at least 60 field goal attempts. Of course, the Buffalo offense is going to be there. The Bulls rank 163rd in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency and fourth in adjusted tempo (both according to KenPom). They've faced the 118th most difficult schedule in the country while Ohio has gone against the 190th toughest slate of opponents (also according to KenPom). I mentioned that Buffalo has been tougher defensively than most give it credit for - I feel the opposite is true for Ohio. The Bobcats have allowed four of their last five opponents to knock down at least 28 field goals. They've been consistently allowing opponents to get well into the 20's in terms of made field goals despite holding seven of their last eight foes to fewer than 60 field goal attempts. Offensively, the Bobcats have admittedly been red hot lately, making good on 30 or more field goals in four of their last seven games. Of course three of those 30+ field goal performances came against three of the MAC's worst teams in Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. Take Buffalo (10*). | |||||||
02-13-23 | Miami-FL v. North Carolina UNDER 156.5 | Top | 80-72 | Win | 100 | 12 h 38 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Miami and North Carolina at 7 pm et on Monday. This total is about as high as you would expect in this matchup, noting that we saw a closing total of 154 in a game that totalled only 142 points in the most recent meeting between the two teams last season. While North Carolina is always going to be known for its offense, it can play some defense as well. The Tar Heels have held nine of their last 10 opponents to 27 or fewer made field goals while also limiting six of their last nine foes to 57 or fewer field goal attempts. North Carolina checks in ranked a respectable 46th in adjusted defensive efficiency this season according to KenPom. The Hurricanes are admittedly red hot offensively right now, having made good on more than 30 field goals in three of their last four games. However, their margin for error hasn't been all that large as they've gotten off fewer than 60 field goal attempts in four of their last six games and 60 or less in eight of their last 10 contests overall. Miami hasn't played its best defensive basketball lately, yielding 28 or more made field goals in three of its last four games with Saturday's poor performance at that end of the floor against Louisville perhaps serving as a low-water mark (it allowed the Cardinals to knock down 33-of-57 field goal attempts). The Canes have managed to limit their opponents scoring opportunities to a certain extent, however, allowing just 51, 59, 54 and 57 FG attempts over their last four games. That type of discipline defensively would undoubtedly serve them well in an underdog role against the Tar Heels here. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
02-12-23 | Marist +10 v. Siena | Top | 65-73 | Win | 100 | 6 h 13 m | Show |
MAAC Game of the Week. My selection is on Marist plus the points over Siena at 2 pm et on Sunday. I'll grab all the points I can get with the underdog Red Foxes in this Sunday MAAC matchup. Siena took the first meeting between these two teams this season by 15 points back on January 29th. Marist had an absolutely dreadful game from beyond the arc, knocking down only 2-of-18 three-point attempts. Keep in mind, it averages seven made threes per game on the season. In that previous meeting, Siena also got to the free throw line 13 more times, making good on 10 of those attempts. These are disparities I just don't see repeating themselves in Sunday's rematch. Marist has held five of its last six opponents to 58 or fewer field goal attempts, giving it a path to effectively shorten this contest as a large underdog on Sunday. The only occasion where it allowed more than that number, it won by eight points against Canisius. Offensively, the Red Foxes managed to get off 61 FG attempts against St. Peter's on Friday, but simply couldn't make the most of their opportunities, knocking down only 19. Prior to that they had made good on 20 or more field goals in five straight games. Here, they'll face a Siena squad that has yielded at least 20 made field goals in 18 consecutive games, despite each of its last 11 opponents getting off fewer than 60 FG attempts. Offensively, the Saints have been limited to 52 or fewer FG attempts in three of their last four games, knocking down 22 or fewer field goals in all four of those contests. Take Marist (10*). | |||||||
02-12-23 | Quinnipiac v. Canisius OVER 144.5 | 65-85 | Win | 100 | 5 h 60 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Quinnipiac and Canisius at 1 pm et on Sunday. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled a whopping 169 points and while we're working with a slightly higher posted total in this rematch, I believe it will still prove too low. Quinnipiac has gotten off 60 or more field goal attempts in six of its last seven games overall and it should be able to make the most of those scoring opportunities here noting that Canisius' opponents have been 'filling it up', making good on 33, 30, 25, 26 and 33 field goals over its last six contests. The Golden Griffins are coming off a poor offensive showing in a blowout loss to Iona on Friday as they knocked down only 20-of-53 field goal attempts. Prior to that they had gotten off more than 60 FG attempts in four straight games, making good on 25 or more field goals in all four of those contests. Quinnipiac has allowed 26 or more made field goals in five of its last six contests - the only opponent it held down over that stretch was Fairfield, one of, if not the worst offensive team in the MAAC. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
02-11-23 | BYU +12 v. Gonzaga | Top | 81-88 | Win | 100 | 15 h 57 m | Show |
WCC Game of the Year. My selection is on BYU plus the points over Gonzaga at 10 pm et on Saturday. We got precisely the results we wanted in these two teams' most recent games earlier this week. BYU suffered a stunning double-digit loss at Pepperdine while Gonzaga rolled to a blowout win over San Francisco. That sets the Bulldogs up as a big double-digit favorite against the Cougars here. Note that BYU nearly staged the upset against the mighty Zags at home earlier this season, dropping a 75-74 decision as a +6.5-point underdog. Despite the loss on Thursday, BYU does enter this game playing well offensively - better than it was the last time it faced the Zags. The Cougars have made good on 35, 29 and 29 field goals over their last three contests. On the flip side, they've held six straight opponents to fewer than 60 field goal attempts. Gonzaga shot the lights out against San Francisco last time out, knocking down a whopping 34 field goals. The Bulldogs haven't made good on 30 or more field goals in consecutive games over their last six contests. Defensively, Gonzaga has allowed 27 or more made field goals in four of its last six games with four of its last five foes hoisting up at least 60 FG attempts. In other words, the scoring opportunities should be there for the underdog Cougars on Saturday. Take BYU (10*). | |||||||
02-11-23 | Colorado v. Utah UNDER 137 | Top | 62-73 | Win | 100 | 15 h 42 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Colorado and Utah at 10 pm et on Saturday. We won with Colorado in its most recent game as it shot the lights out in the second half in an eventual blowout win over Stanford last Sunday. The Buffaloes aren't exactly known for their offense, noting they rank 141st in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency this season according to KenPom. Prior to last Sunday's breakout performance, Colorado had been held to 24 or fewer made field goals in seven of its previous eight games. The going won't be easy on the road against a Utah squad that ranks a respectable 30th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. Speaking of that metric, Colorado checks in 19th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Buffaloes have limited six straight opponents to 57 or fewer field goal attempts with only three of those opponents getting north of 50. Utah, like Colorado, has been inconsistent offensively. It could only connect on 21-of-57 field goal attempts against a bad California defense last time out. The Utes have been held to 22 or fewer made field goals in three of their last four games with 25 being their high-water mark over that stretch. Both meetings between these two teams last season were surprisingly high-scoring, getting into the 150's despite closing totals in the high-130's. I believe those results are helping play a factor in keeping this total a little higher than it should be on Saturday. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
02-10-23 | Marist v. St. Peter's UNDER 124.5 | Top | 56-67 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
MAAC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Marist and St. Peter's at 7 pm et on Friday. The first meeting between these two teams saw just 118 points scored in a narrow St. Peter's road victory. We're actually dealing with a higher posted total this time around than we saw in that mid-January matchup and it has a lot to do with the fact that both of these teams are coming off consecutive 'over' results. I expect those 'over' streaks to come to a halt on Friday. Marist has been pushing the pace a little more than we've been accustomed to seeing lately but that's been largely game-script dependent as it has often been playing from behind by considerable margins. Note that the Red Foxes check in ranked 336th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency and 278th in adjusted tempo despite only facing the 341st toughest slate of opponents this season (all according to KenPom). Things won't get any easier here noting that St. Peter's has been effective in severely limiting its opponents scoring opportunities, allowing fewer than 50 field goal attempts in an incredible seven straight games entering Friday's contest. Last time out, the Peacocks simply ran into a hot shooting Rider squad in an 81-62 loss. Prior to allowing the Broncs to knock down 26 field goals in that game, they had held six consecutive foes to 21 or fewer made field goals. It's been another story offensively as St. Peter's continues to struggle. It has topped out at 23 made field goals over its last six games and that came in a contest where it shot better than 52% from the field. The Peacocks rank a miserable 327th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency and 343rd in adjusted tempo. Going back to that first meeting between these two teams this season, it reached only 118 total points despite the two teams combining to shoot 51 free throws (making 38). Note that on the season, these two squads average just 21-of-30 combined from the charity stripe. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
02-09-23 | Arizona v. California +19 | 85-62 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on California plus the points over Arizona at 11 pm et on Thursday. While California has gone a miserable 3-20 straight-up this season it has found plenty of pointspread success. The Golden Bears started the season with five straight ATS losses (none of those defeats came by more than 10 points) but since then have gone a respectable 10-8 ATS. Here, they catch Arizona off three consecutive ATS wins. The Wildcats have been red hot offensively but I can't help but feel they get slowed here noting that the Bears rank 356th out of 363 Division I teams in terms of adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). There's a path for Cal to effectively shorten this game and keep things reasonably competitive, especially noting it went to Tucson and lost by 'only' 13 points against the Wildcats earlier this season. While Cal's offense has been dreadful, it has faced the 27th most difficult slate of defensive opponents in the country this season (again according to KenPom). It will undoubtedly face a tough challenge against Arizona here as well, although there is hope as the Wildcats tend to give up their share of scoring opportunities with nine of their last 11 opponents getting off at least 60 field goal attempts. Here, we'll note that Arizona is a long-term 38-59 ATS after scoring 80 points or more in three consecutive games, as is the case here. Meanwhile, Cal has been outscored by just 4.2 points on average the last 15 times it has come off four consecutive games in which it scored 65 points or less, which is the situation it is in on Thursday. Take California (8*). | |||||||
02-09-23 | UC-Santa Barbara v. Long Beach State OVER 145 | Top | 75-72 | Win | 100 | 16 h 25 m | Show |
Big West Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Cal-Santa Barbara and Long Beach State at 11 pm et on Thursday. Santa Barbara plays at one of the slowest paces in the nation yet checks into this game on the heels of four straight 'over' results, including a stunning loss as a double-digit road favorite at Cal State-Fullerton last time out. It's an interesting contrast when it comes to the Gauchos as they play slow but are ultra-efficient offensively. Here, I expect them to get plenty of good looks against a Long Beach State squad that plays at the second-fastest tempo in the country, only ranking behind Alabama in terms of adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). The 49ers enter this game off six straight wins, fortunate that a number of their recent opponents haven't been able to take advantage of their wealth of scoring opportunities. Long Beach State has allowed six of its last seven opponents to get off at least 62 field goal attempts. Last time out, it yielded a whopping 70 FG attempts against Cal-Irvine in a game that reached 181 total points. As I mentioned, the 49ers like to play fast offensively, hoisting up more than 70 FG attempts in four of their last seven contests. They've made good on 28 or more field goals in six of their last seven games overall. Cal-Santa Barbara has faced a slew of weaker Big West squads lately, favored by double-digits in four of its last five games. While the Gauchos are a top-100 team in terms of adjusted defensive efficiency this season (according to KenPom), that has had something to do with the fact they've only faced the 305th most difficult schedule in the country. It's interesting to note that Santa Barbara has been held under 70 points in each of their last three games, matching their longest such streak of the season. A date with Long Beach State should provide ample opportunity to bounce back in what projects as a relatively high-scoring affair. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-08-23 | Florida v. Alabama OVER 147.5 | Top | 69-97 | Win | 100 | 14 h 39 m | Show |
SEC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Florida and Alabama at 9 pm et on Wednesday. Despite playing at the fasted tempo in the country this season (according to KenPom), Alabama has posted just two 'over' results in its last 10 games. Each of the Crimson Tide's last two contests have stayed 'under' the total. That's helped set us up with a very reasonable total on Wednesday as the Tide host the Florida Gators. Florida checks in off a 72-67 loss at Kentucky on Saturday. Both of these teams tend to give up a ton of scoring opportunities with Florida having allowed at least 60 field goal attempts in seven straight and nine of its last 10 games overall. Alabama has yielded more than 60 field goal attempts to its opponents in 16 of its last 18 contests. While both squads rate out well in terms of adjusted defensive efficiency (again according to KenPom), I believe the door is open for both offenses to go off on Wednesday. Florida has been held under 70 points in three straight games entering this contest - its longest such streak of the season. It did show some signs of life offensively last time out, knocking down 23 field goals in a tough spot at Kentucky. After facing a pair of down-trodden squads in Vandy and LSU over its last two games, I believe Alabama could be in for a bit of a 'shock to the system' here, noting that prior to holding those two foes under 20 made field goals, the Crimson Tide had allowed seven of their previous eight opponents to knock down more than 20 field goals. Offensively, Alabama is elite. The Crimson Tide continue to 'fill it up', making good on at least 25 field goals in an incredible 15 of their last 16 games overall. The Gators were locked-in defensively earlier in the campaign but have since sagged in that regard, allowing eight of their last 10 opponents to knock down at least 22 field goals - a number Alabama is sure to eclipse with ease here. The pace will be there, whether this total proves high enough will depend on whether the two teams can make the most of their scoring opportunities. I'm confident they will, noting that last year's lone meeting reached 153 total points despite both teams shooting worse than 43% from the field. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-07-23 | Louisville v. Pittsburgh OVER 138.5 | Top | 57-91 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Louisville and Pittsburgh at 7 pm et on Tuesday. The first meeting between these two teams fizzled this season as Pittsburgh rolled to a 75-54 road win on January 18th. We're working with a lower posted total this time around and I believe it will prove too low. Louisville has shown some signs of life offensively of late, knocking down 25 or more field goals in three of its last four games. The Cardinals had their share of opportunities in that first meeting with Pitt but simply couldn't convert, making good on just 19 field goals. It's not as if Pitt is a defensive juggernaut. The Panthers have allowed 10 of their last 11 opponents to knock down at least 23 field goals. They were fortunate last time out that North Carolina had an off night shooting, as the Tar Heels actually got off a whopping 66 field goal attempts, but could only hit 23 of them. Here, I'm just not convinced we see a peak performance from the Pitt defense against an opponent it has already manhandled this season. On the flip side, the Panthers figure to take advantage of an awful Louisville defense that has seemingly gotten even looser lately, allowing three straight opponents to get off more than 60 FG attempts. Pitt enters this contest having made good on 28, 26 and 25 field goals over its last three games and has hoisted up 55 or more FG attempts in seven of its last eight overall. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-06-23 | Green Bay v. Wisc-Milwaukee OVER 142 | Top | 80-79 | Win | 100 | 13 h 48 m | Show |
Horizon League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Wisconsin-Green Bay and Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 8 pm et on Monday. The first meeting between these two in-state rivals totalled 148 points back in December. We're dealing with a considerably higher posted total this time around as a result, but I believe it's warranted. Green Bay enters this contest off four straight 'under' results. The Phoenix have shot poorly over that stretch - in fact, they've been held to fewer than 20 made field goals in four straight games, their longest such streak of the season. I do think the pace alone should get them over the hump here, however, noting that Wisconsin-Milwaukee ranks 17th in the country in adjusted tempo according to KenPom. The Panthers have allowed 16 consecutive opponents to knock down more than 20 field goals. Their last game snapped a stretch of nine straight contests in which they allowed 62 or more field goal attempts. Keep in mind, the pitiful Phoenix made good on 23 field goals and scored 67 points in the first meeting between these teams this season. The Panthers were fortunate to secure a 72-69 win over IUPUI last time out. They got off a whopping 69 FG attempts in that contest but could only hit 26 of them. I certainly anticipate them improving on that shooting percentage here, noting that Green Bay ranks a miserable 361st in the nation (that's third-to-last) in adjusted defensive efficiency (also according to KenPom). Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-06-23 | Duke v. Miami-FL OVER 145.5 | 59-81 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 32 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Duke and Miami at 7 pm et on Monday. When these two teams last met on January 21st, they combined to score just 134 points. We're dealing with a lower posted total for this rematch and I believe it will prove too low. The pace was certainly there for a much higher-scoring affair in the first meeting. Duke got off 62 field goal attempts while Miami countered with 63. Both teams ended up shooting poorly with the Blue Devils knocking down 25 field goals and the Hurricanes making good on only 22 in a narrow two-point defeat. It's worth noting that Miami has been more efficient offensively while also playing at a slightly faster pace at home compared to on the road this season. The Canes enter this contest on an offensive tear having knocked down 31, 26, 35 and 26 field goals over their last four games, despite getting off 58 or fewer field goal attempts in three of those tilts. Duke has had little success (or interest) in slowing its opponents' pace lately, allowing 63 or more FG attempts in three of its last five games. Meanwhile, Miami's opponents have been afforded plenty of good looks, knocking down 25 or more field goals in an incredible 10 straight games. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
02-05-23 | Mt. St. Mary's +12 v. Quinnipiac | Top | 79-75 | Win | 100 | 7 h 48 m | Show |
MAAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Mount St. Mary's plus the points over Quinnipiac at 2 pm et on Sunday. With Mount St. Mary's coming off a 30-point rout at Iona and Quinnipiac winning by 15 points against Fairfield on Friday, most will likely be looking to lay the points with the Bobcats at home on Sunday. I'll go the other way, however, noting that Quinnipiac checks in a long-term 10-24 ATS after winning six or seven of its last eight games, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by just 0.3 points on average in that situation. Mount St. Mary's has held four straight opponents to 56 or fewer field goal attempts (which just happens to be the average number of FG attempts it has allowed per game this season) and can effectively shorten proceedings on Sunday and ultimately keep the Bobcats within arm's reach. Quinnipiac has allowed four straight opponents to hoist up 60 or more FG attempts. While Mount St. Mary's is no offensive juggernaut, it does have a fairly solid floor when it comes to offensive production, knocking down 20 or more field goals in 12 straight games entering Sunday's contest (that's notable given the slow pace it plays at). Take Mount St. Mary's (10*). | |||||||
02-04-23 | Oregon State +19.5 v. Arizona | 52-84 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oregon State plus the points over Arizona at 9:30 pm et on Saturday. I simply feel the Wildcats are laying too many points in this rematch of their 86-74 road win over Oregon State back on January 12th. Few teams play slower than the Beavers and I do think there's a path for them to keep this game competitive on Saturday in Tucson. It's certainly been a trying campaign for Oregon State but it has also faced the 56th most difficult schedule in the country according to KenPom. The Beavers have mustered little offense but do rank a respectable 126th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency (also according to KenPom). Unlike the last time they faced Arizona, they do enter this game in terrific defensive form, having held their last four opponents to just 18, 22, 21 and 22 made field goals. The last time they faced Arizona they allowed the Wildcats to shoot 32-of-61 from the field - both of those numbers represent season-highs for Oregon State in Pac-12 play - yet still lost by 'only' 12 points. Of note, the Beavers got off 60 field goal attempts of their own in that contest - matching a season-high for them in conference play - and here they'll face a Wildcats squad that has allowed 60 or more FG attempts in nine of their last 10 games (the only game in which they didn't they won by just five points against Washington State - the blueprint from that contest could certainly be used by Oregon State here). In other words, the Beavers will undoubtedly have their share of scoring opportunities here and I'm willing to back them, while also fading a Wildcats squad that is coming off five straight wins and consecutive 90+ point performances. Take Oregon State (8*). | |||||||
02-04-23 | Syracuse v. Boston College OVER 138.5 | 77-68 | Win | 100 | 9 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Syracuse and Boston College at 5 pm et on Saturday. Both of these teams are coming off 'under' results earlier in the week. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday as they do battle in a rematch of a New Year's Eve game that reached 144 total points. Syracuse enters this game shooting well, having knocked down 30, 28, 29, 31, 29, 23 and 24 field goals in its last seven games. The two outliers - coming in its last two contests - came in games where the Orange were held to fewer than 50 field goal attempts. I don't see this game being played at such a snail's pace, however. Note that the Orange have allowed six of their last seven opponents to get off at least 58 field goal attempts. Boston College yields an average of 59 FG attempts to its opponents here in Chestnut Hill this season. Syracuse isn't an awful defensive team by any means but you would have to go all the way back to December 10th (against an awful Georgetown team) to find the last time it held an opponent to fewer than 23 made field goals. Of the Orange's last seven opponents, six have knocked down at least 25 field goals. It's a similar story for Boston College. The Eagles were fortunate that Clemson couldn't hit its shots last time out, connecting on only 16-of-52 FG attempts in a 62-54 Boston College victory. Prior to that, the Eagles had allowed five of their last six opponents to make good on at least 26 field goals with three of those foes connecting on 30 or more. Offensively, the Eagles are anything but a juggernaut but they're playing some of their best basketball right now and I do think they can give Syracuse a run here and that should lend itself to a relatively high-scoring affair, given what I outlined regarding the Orange defense earlier. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
02-04-23 | Wake Forest v. Notre Dame OVER 148.5 | Top | 81-64 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 46 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Wake Forest and Notre Dame at 1 pm et on Saturday. Wake Forest has incredibly seen each of its last 12 games go 'over' the total and I expect that streak to last for at least one more game as the Demon Deacons head to South Bend to face the Irish on Saturday afternoon. Notre Dame has actually posted six consecutive 'over' results itself. The Irish check in ranked a miserable 287th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. Facing a Wake Forest squad that ranks 27th in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency and 93rd in adjusted tempo, not to mention the fact it is coming off four straight losses, doesn't figure to help Notre Dame's cause here. The Irish don't play at a particularly fast pace, but I expect their hand to be forced on Saturday, likely playing from behind for a considerable portion of this contest as a home underdog. You would have to go back 10 games to find the last time Notre Dame limited an opponent to fewer than 25 made field goals. Meanwhile, Wake Forest has gotten off 60 or more field goal attempts in three of its last five contests. It simply didn't make the most of its scoring opportunities last time out against Duke, shooting a miserable 24-of-64 from the field (but still scoring 73 points). I expect it to snap right back here. The Irish have put up more than 70 points in four straight home games though and could be catching the Demon Deacons defense at the right time. In fact, Wake has been a completely different defensive team compared to the first month of the season, yielding 27 or more made field goals in 10 of its last 14 games. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-03-23 | Cornell v. Princeton OVER 157 | Top | 82-89 | Win | 100 | 13 h 36 m | Show |
Ivy League Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Cornell and Princeton at 7 pm et on Friday. I've been waiting for this rematch since Cornell and Princeton combined to score 'only' 143 points in the first meeting of the season back on January 7th. We cashed one of our bigger plays of the season last year with the 'over' in a game between the Big Red and Tigers with that contest totalling 171 points almost a year to the day, on February 4th, 2022. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here. Note that the first meeting this season was played in Cornell's home gym. That's notable as Princeton plays considerably faster here at home, where it averages two more field goal attempts per game compared to its season average while also giving up three additional FG attempts per contest (also compared to its season average). Cornell figures to take advantage as it is quietly on an incredible shooting run, having knocked down 31, 30 and 32 field goals over its last three contests. Unfortunately, the Big Red have also been very forgiving defensively, yielding 30, 28, 32 and 27 made field goals over their last four games. Princeton got off 62 field goal attempts last time out against Harvard, but could only knock down 26 of them. I certainly expect it to bounce back in that regard here. Like Cornell, Princeton has struggled to contain opposing offenses, allowing 24, 28, 21, 34 and 35 made field goals over its last five contests. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
02-02-23 | California v. Colorado -15.5 | Top | 46-59 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 27 m | Show |
Pac-12 Game of the Year. My selection is on Colorado minus the points over California at 10 pm et on Thursday. This is a big revenge spot for Colorado after it was stunned by an 80-76 score against California in the teams' first meeting this season. The Buffaloes enter this contest on the heels of back-to-back losses and defeats in five of their last six games overall, both SU and ATS. I think we'll see a 'sling-shot' effect from the Colorado offense here after it got off 65 and 60 field goal attempts but could only muster a combined 45 made field goals in a pair of games at Oregon and Oregon State last week. Here, the Buffaloes figure to 'get right' against a putrid Cal defense (it ranks 236th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom) that has allowed 27, 31, 27 and 28 made field goals over its last four games - despite holding three of those four opponents to 55 or fewer field goal attempts. On the flip side, Colorado ranks top-20 in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency, not to mention the fact it rates out 55th in adjusted tempo (also according to KenPom). I'm not convinced there will be enough scoring opportunities for the Bears to keep this one within reach. They rank a miserable 356th in the nation in adjusted tempo. Colorado has smothered opposing offenses, holding those opponents to 50, 51, 53 and 47 field goal attempts over its last four contests. Take Colorado (10*). | |||||||
02-01-23 | Penn State +10.5 v. Purdue | 60-80 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on Penn State plus the points over Purdue at 6:30 pm et on Wednesday. While Purdue is obviously the superior team in this matchup, I'm not convinced there's as much separating the two squads as indicated by the inflated pointspread. The Boilermakers beat the Nittany Lions by 13 points in their first meeting back in early January. Purdue shot the lights out in that game while Penn State couldn't make the most of its whopping 62 field goal attempts, knocking down only 26 of them. Since yielding 31 made field goals in that defeat, the Nittany Lions have held their last five opponents to 26, 23, 23, 23 and 25 made field goals. While some might believe Penn State is in for a letdown here off a 22-point rout of Michigan last time out, I don't see it. Keep in mind, the Nittany Lions are just one game removed from a 20-point setback at the hands of Rutgers. This certainly isn't the time for Penn State to get complacent. Purdue is coming off a win and cover against Michigan State but remains just 9-11 ATS in lined contests this season. The Boilers 29 made field goals in that win over the Spartans represented a high-water mark in that department over their last six games. You would have to go back 14 games to find the last time Purdue got off 60 or more field goal attempts in a game - a big reason why it seems to have trouble covering these lofty pointspreads. Take Penn State (8*). | |||||||
01-31-23 | Kansas State v. Kansas -6.5 | Top | 78-90 | Win | 100 | 12 h 53 m | Show |
Big 12 Game of the Week. My selection is on Kansas minus the points over Kansas State at 8 pm et on Tuesday. Kansas State outlasted Kansas in a thriller in Manhattan back on January 17th - an upset that wasn't really an upset. Here, I look for the Jayhawks to exact their revenge as they look to build off a solid 77-68 win over Kentucky. Getting out of the Big 12 for a game was probably a welcome relief for Kansas after it had dropped three straight games SU and five in a row ATS. The Jayhawks got back to a winning formula in that contest, holding the Wildcats to just 51 field goal attempts. I look for them to frustrate the Kansas State offense on Tuesday as well, noting that the Wildcats have touched 25 made field goals just once in three games since reaching that mark in that January 17th win over the Jayhawks. On the occasion where they did they still fell by four points on the road against Iowa State. The Wildcats are coming off a 14-point win over Florida on Saturday. They were fortunate that the Gators couldn't make the most of their scoring opportunities, knocking down only 18 field goals in the defeat. Kansas State isn't likely to be so fortunate here, noting that Kansas connected on an impressive 31 field goals in Saturday's win and averages 29-of-61 shooting here at home this season. While Kansas State has been the far better bet this season - one of the best in the nation in that regard in fact - it has also faced the 39th toughest schedule according to KenPom. Contrast that with Kansas - no team has faced a more difficult slate of opponents than the Jayhawks based on the same metrics. The last time these two in-state rivals met on this floor, the Jayhawks won by 19. In fact, you would have to go back to 2018 to find the last time the Wildcats kept it to a single-digit losing margin on the road against Kansas. Take Kansas (10*). | |||||||
01-30-23 | Virginia v. Syracuse +5.5 | Top | 67-62 | Win | 100 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Week. My selection is on Syracuse plus the points over Virginia at 7 pm et on Monday. I'll grab all the points I can get with Syracuse on Monday as it hosts Virginia - which has suddenly vaulted itself into the national title conversation on the heels of six straight wins. Here, I can't help but feel the Cavaliers are in for a letdown after matching a season-high with 30 made field goals in Saturday's rout of Boston College. Of note, Virginia also matched a season-low in ACC play by limiting the Eagles to only 20 made field goals. It figures to face a tougher test on Monday as Syracuse looks to bounce back from consecutive losses. The Orange had impressively knocked down 30, 28, 29, 31, 29 and 23 field goals over its previous six games before shooting just 23-of-49 from the field against Virginia Tech on Saturday. Syracuse allowed the Hokies to make good on 32 field goals in that contest - a season-high allowed from the Orange. Here, we'll note that Virginia is 12-23 ATS after giving up 60 points or less in its previous game over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by just 1.6 points on average in that situation. The Cavaliers are also a miserable 3-11 ATS after winning their previous contest by 15 points or more, outscored by an average of 1.1 points in that spot. The Orange were right there with the Cavaliers for 40 minutes in their first meeting this season. I'm confident this one will go down to the wire at the very least. Take Syracuse (10*). | |||||||
01-28-23 | Alabama v. Oklahoma +6.5 | 69-93 | Win | 100 | 5 h 6 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oklahoma plus the points over Alabama at 2 pm et on Saturday. We missed with Oklahoma at home against Baylor last Saturday as it led most of the way before coughing it up late in a two-point loss. From there, the Sooners seemingly suffered a bit of a hangover three nights later as they were blasted on the road against a good TCU team. Here, back home against an SEC opponent in Alabama, I look for Oklahoma to bounce back. The opportunities have been there for the Sooners, they simply haven't been taking advantage. Note that they've hoisted up 56, 57 and 64 field goal attempts in their last three games and should be afforded plenty of opportunities against an up-tempo Alabama squad here as well. While the Crimson Tide have faced the fourth most difficult schedule in the nation this season according to KenPom, the Sooners aren't far behind at sixth. Here, we'll note that Oklahoma is 8-1 ATS when coming off three ATS losses in its last four games over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 6.3 points in that situation. Meanwhile, Alabama is a woeful 1-9 ATS when coming off eight or more consecutive victories, as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by just 2.6 points on average in that spot. I look for this one to go down to the wire at the very least. Take Oklahoma (8*). | |||||||
01-28-23 | Texas Tech v. LSU OVER 132 | Top | 76-68 | Win | 100 | 6 h 42 m | Show |
Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Texas Tech and LSU at 2 pm et on Saturday. We'll go the contrarian route with this play as LSU checks in off a deplorable 14-made field goal performance in a 60-40 loss to Arkansas last time out while Texas Tech reaches Baton Rouge off consecutive 'under' results. I wouldn't categorize either of these defenses as elite, or anything remotely close. Yet the Red Raiders have held their last two opponents to just 20 and 19 made field goals. Keep in mind, they still lost both of those games by double-digits, allowing 68 and 76 points against Kansas State and West Virginia, respectively. After facing a very difficult slate of opponents in SEC play, the Tigers will likely be happy to face a Big 12 opponent in Texas Tech on Saturday. While LSU's offense has been a big part of the problem lately, it has also allowed its last four opponents to knock down 35, 26, 29 and 23 field goals. The pace has been there but Texas Tech just hasn't been able to make its shots lately, noting that it is just one game removed from hoisting up a whopping 71 field goal attempts against Kansas State. Here, I do expect the Red Raiders to put it together offensively and help this one sail 'over' the reasonably low total. Finally, I'll note that these two teams produced 147 total points (with a closing total of 143.5) the last time they met in 2021. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
01-26-23 | UCLA v. USC OVER 130 | 64-77 | Win | 100 | 23 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between UCLA and USC at 9 pm et on Thursday. The first meeting between these Los Angeles rivals resulted in a low-scoring 60-58 UCLA victory back on January 5th. I expect a higher-scoring affair in Thursday's rematch as we're dealing with a reasonably low total, largely due to the recent run of 'unders' both teams have been on. It's only a matter of time before the Bruins enjoy an offensive explosion in my opinion. I believe we might just see that 'slingshot' effect in this matchup on Thursday. Note that UCLA has gotten off 60 or more field goal attempts in three of its last four games. Here, it faces a vulnerable USC defense that has had little success (or interest) in slowing its opponents' pace, yielding 24 or more made field goals in four of its last six games and 58 or more field goal attempts in five straight contests. On the flip side, the Trojans can shoot. They've incredible knocked down 24 or more field goals in 11 straight games. The Bruins are one of the best defensive teams in the nation without question but here, against a revenge-minded Trojans squad, I expect them to have their hands full. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
01-25-23 | Louisville v. Boston College OVER 133.5 | Top | 65-75 | Win | 100 | 14 h 39 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Louisville and Boston College at 9 pm et on Wednesday. I like the way this one sets up as a higher-scoring affair than most are expecting on Wednesday night in Chestnut Hill. Louisville is of course mired in a down season having lost 17 of 19 games overall and eight in a row entering Wednesday's contest. We had actually seen a bit of a spark from the Cardinals offensively for a stretch prior to getting held down by a pair of tough opponents in North Carolina and Pittsburgh in their last two games. I'm confident we'll see them do enough to help this total along on Wednesday, however, noting that Boston College has allowed five of its last eight opponents to get off 60 or more field goal attempts with the opposition knocking down 26 or more field goals in three of its last four contests. Offensively, the Eagles have been quietly 'filling it up', making good on 28, 26, 32, 21, 26 and 29 field goals over their last six games. Even in the low-water mark of 21 over that stretch, the Eagles still scored 63 points in a game that totalled 148 points against Wake Forest. Last year's matchup between these two teams was a low-scoring one, reaching only 121 total points. We're dealing with a considerably lower posted total this time around, however, noting that last year's game saw a closing total of 138. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
01-24-23 | Oklahoma State +8 v. Texas | 75-89 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oklahoma State plus the points over Texas at 9 pm et on Tuesday. I'll grab all the points I can get with Oklahoma State as it hits the road to face Texas on Tuesday. The Cowboys are coming off consecutive SU and ATS wins, despite a sluggish offensive performance on Saturday against Iowa State. Oklahoma State made good on just 18-of-41 field goal attempts in that contest. Prior to that, the Cowboys had knocked down 22, 23 and 27 field goals in their previous three games and I'm confident we'll see them snap back offensively here. It also wasn't a top rate defensive effort from the Cowboys against the Cyclones as they allowed Iowa State to get off 63 field goal attempts - a high-water mark for Oklahoma State in Big 12 play this season. The Cowboys have still done a good job of keeping opposing offenses in check, holding each of their last six opponents to 25 or fewer made field goals. The last time they gave up more than that was in a narrow two-point loss (but ATS cover) at Kansas back on New Year's Eve. Texas continues to rack up victories but has proven to be an awful bet ATS-wise. The Longhorns were in top form at both ends of the floor against West Virginia on Saturday. They've been inconsistent though, and it's worth noting that the only two occasions where they've connected on more than 26 field goals in Big 12 play this season, they've lost by 13 points against Kansas State and won by four against TCU, both at home. Texas has won consecutive meetings in this series but you would have to go all the way back to 2016-17 to find the last time it took three straight matchups against Oklahoma State. Finally, I'll point out that Oklahoma State has faced the 13th most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom while Texas checks in having gone against the 52nd toughest slate of opponents. While Texas has obviously fared better with a 16-3 record, I simply feel it is laying too many points in this spot. Take Oklahoma State (8*). | |||||||
01-24-23 | Kansas State v. Iowa State -5 | Top | 76-80 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 41 m | Show |
Big 12 Game of the Week. My selection is on Iowa State minus the points over Kansas State at 9 pm et on Tuesday. Iowa State checks in off its first ATS defeat in seven games on Saturday as it dropped a narrow two-point decision on the road against Oklahoma State. I'm confident we'll see the Cyclones bounce back on Tuesday, however, as they return home to host Kansas State. The Wildcats enter off consecutive wins, both SU and ATS. I still think this is a team playing with fire as it consistently gives up a ton of scoring opportunities, having allowed all seven opponents in Big 12 play to get off at least 63 field goal attempts and six of those to hoist up 63+. They were fortunate that Texas Tech was unable to make good on its opportunities on Saturday as the Red Raiders knocked down only 23-of-71 field goal attempts in a 68-58 Kansas State victory. We saw a glimpse of what to expect from the Kansas State offense against a smothering defense as it could only muster 20 made field goals on a season-low 47 attempts. Here, it will face an Iowa State squad that has held nine straight opponents to 22 or fewer made field goals. Only one of the Cyclones last six opponents has managed to get off 50+ field goal attempts. On the flip side, Iowa State is coming off a poor shooting performance against Oklahoma State last time out. With that being said, you only have to go back four games to find the last time it made good on more than 30 field goals (34 in a win over Texas Tech). Noting that these two teams have enjoyed similar success this season but Iowa State has faced the 15th most difficult schedule in the country while Kansas State has gone against the 53rd toughest slate of opponents (according to KenPom), we'll lay the points with the Cyclones here. Take Iowa State (10*). | |||||||
01-23-23 | Kansas v. Baylor UNDER 149.5 | Top | 69-75 | Win | 100 | 14 h 41 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Kansas and Baylor at 9 pm et on Monday. These two teams enjoyed far different results on Saturday as Kansas was embarrassed in a 23-point home loss against TCU while Baylor eked out a 62-60 road win over Oklahoma. Noting that the 'under' is a perfect 6-0 with Kansas coming off consecutive games in which it allowed 75 points or more over the last three seasons, as is the case here, leading to an average total of only 132.3 points, we'll confidently back the 'under' in a series that has generally been lower-scoring than most have expected over the years. Baylor got off to an 0-3 start in conference play, marked by a couple of high-scoring defeats at the hands of TCU and Kansas State, at home no less. Since then, we've seen the Bears lock in defensively, allowing 23, 23, 27 and 26 made field goals and no more than 60 field goal attempts over their last four games. For Kansas, it is in a clear bounce-back spot here after getting lit up for 31 made field goals against TCU on Saturday. Poor defensive efforts don't pop up often when it comes to the Bill Self-coached Jayhawks and I'm confident we'll see them respond positively in that department on Monday. Prior to Saturday's game, Kansas had held an incredible 15 of its first 18 opponents this season to 25 or fewer made field goals. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
01-22-23 | Washington State v. Colorado UNDER 137 | 55-58 | Win | 100 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Washington State and Colorado at 6 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams are coming off 'over' results on Thursday, snapping a three-game 'under' streak for Washington State and a four-game run of 'unders' for Colorado. Here, I expect a return to normal, so to speak, with a relatively low-scoring affair between the Cougars and Buffaloes. Nothing went right for Washington State last time out as it couldn't generate any sustained offense, nor could it sniff out a stop against Utah (the Utes shot 31-of-56 from the field). I do expect the Cougars to bounce back here, particularly at the defensive end of the floor, where they had held their previous three opponents to 20, 19 and 22 made field goals. It's also worth noting they've limited four of their last five opponents to 56 field goal attempts or fewer. The only occasion where they didn't was largely game-script dependent as they had an up-tempo Arizona squad playing from behind most of the night in a stunning double-digit road victory. Colorado is coming off a poor defensive performance of its own as it allowed Washington to knock down 27-of-50 field goal attempts on Thursday. The Buffaloes made good on 28 field goals themselves, representing a high-water mark since hitting 30 field goals in a narrow loss at Cal on New Year's Eve. Prior to Thursday's poor performance, Colorado had held its last two Pac-12 opponents to just 14 and 18 made field goals and 41 and 42 points here on its home floor. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
01-21-23 | Baylor v. Oklahoma +1.5 | 62-60 | Loss | -115 | 19 h 34 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oklahoma plus the points over Baylor at 4 pm et on Saturday. I like the bounce-back spot for Oklahoma here after it fell in lopsided fashion on the road against rival Oklahoma State on Wednesday. The Sooners are actually coming off consecutive ATS defeats, playing subpar defense in both contests. This is a better defensive team than it has shown lately, though, at least in my opinion. Keep in mind, Oklahoma has faced the eighth most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom. Offensively, the Sooners have been fine, essentially on par with Saturday's opponent, Baylor. Oklahoma arguably has the x-factor in this contest in former Nevada standout Grant Sherfield - one of the most underrated scorers in the country. Baylor checks into this contest off three consecutive victories both SU and ATS. The Bears quite simply shot the lights out against Texas Tech on Tuesday but I don't expect them to repeat that performance against a tougher defensive foe here. Take Oklahoma (8*). | |||||||
01-20-23 | St. Peter's +4 v. Marist | Top | 61-57 | Win | 100 | 12 h 13 m | Show |
Underdog Game of the Week. My selection is on St. Peter's plus the points over Marist at 7 pm et on Friday. I like the way this spot sets up for a down-trodden St. Peter's squad that has lost five games in a row, going 1-4 ATS along the way. Marist is at the opposite end of the spectrum right now, having won three straight contests both SU and ATS. Still, I'm anticipating a reversal of those trends on Friday night. St. Peter's continues to play exceptional defensive basketball. The Peacocks always seem to have a terrific defensive system in place and they've stayed true to it this season, holding opponents to an average of just 20 made field goals on 48 attempts per game. Their last three opponents have knocked down just 18, 18 and 19 field goals. I'm confident we'll see St. Peter's frustrate the Marist offense here after it shot exceptionally well over the last few games. Keep in mind, the Red Foxes have actually gotten off 55 or fewer field goal attempts in five straight contests so it's not as if they've had a wealth of scoring opportunities. In stark contrast, St. Peter's has hoisted up 62 or more field goal attempts in three of its last six games. The difference here is, I expect some of those Peacocks shots to start falling, noting that Marist has consistently allowed in the mid-to-high 20's in terms of opponents' made field goals per game this season. Finally, I'll point out that St. Peter's is 68-41 ATS when playing on the road after losing four or five of its last six games going all the way back to 1997, as is the case here. Take St. Peter's (10*). | |||||||
01-19-23 | UCLA v. Arizona State OVER 135 | Top | 74-62 | Win | 100 | 14 h 45 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between UCLA and Arizona State at 10:30 pm et on Thursday. The 'under' has cashed in each of UCLA's last seven games but I look for that streak to come to an end on Thursday as the Bruins hit the road for the first time since New Year's Day to face Arizona State in Tempe. UCLA absolutely manhandled Utah and Colorado in its last two games, holding those two opponents to just 18 and 15 made field goals, respectively. It faces a much different challenge on the road here, however, noting that Arizona State has knocked down 25, 31, 29, 33 and 24 field goals since the return of Pac-12 play on New Year's Eve. With that being said, the Sun Devils are in bounce-back mode here in some sense after getting off only 49 field goal attempts in a bit of a sloppy affair against Oregon State last time out (they still scored 74 points in that contest). We know Arizona State will be looking to push the pace here, noting that it has hoisted up 62 or more field goal attempts in seven of its last nine games. Defensively, the Sun Devils are likely to have their hands full here. They've allowed 27, 24, 25, and 24 made field goals over their last four games and have had little success (or interest) in slowing down their opponents' tempo this season. UCLA didn't shoot particularly well against Colorado last time out, knocking down only 38.1% of its attempts from the field. That's notable as the last two times it was held under 40% shooting in Pac-12 play, it responded by making good on exactly 29 field goals in its next contest. The Bruins are averaging 30 made field goals and 76.7 points per game this season with no considerable drop-off in production away from home, where they've hit 29 field goals per game (on one fewer attempt compared to their season average) while averaging 73.7 points per contest. The most recent meeting between these two teams totalled only 118 points last February, however prior to that each of the last 12 matchups in the series produced at least 143 total points. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
01-18-23 | Oklahoma v. Oklahoma State UNDER 128.5 | Top | 56-72 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State at 9 pm et on Wednesday. This is obviously a big game for both teams but it's desperation time for Oklahoma State as it comes off three consecutive Big 12 defeats. Of note for our purposes, the Cowboys have seen each of their last seven games go 'under' the total. Oklahoma State lacks a true go-to scorer and it shows as it has been held to 67, 67, 46, 57 and 58 points in Big 12 play. The Cowboys tried to push the pace in their last two games, getting off 66 and 60 field goal attempts but only managed to knock down 22 and 23 of those shots against Kansas State and Baylor, respectively. Here, they'll face a good Oklahoma defense that's coming off a bad game. The Sooners allowed West Virginia to make good on 31-of-55 field goals in their most recent contest, allowing 76 points in a narrow one-point victory. Note that prior to that, they had held four of their last five opponents to 22 or fewer made field goals. Oklahoma has one of the more underrated offensive players in the country in former Nevada standout Grant Sherfield. It will be in tough here, however, noting that Oklahoma State has allowed an average of just 20 made field goals per contest at home this season and has held eight of its last 11 opponents to 21 or fewer in that department. The fact that the Cowboys allowed 74 points last time out is notable as they've given up 56, 51 and 49 points on three previous occasions after allowing more than 70 points in a game this season. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
01-17-23 | Clemson v. Wake Forest OVER 147 | Top | 77-87 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Clemson and Wake Forest at 9 pm et on Tuesday. I like the way this one sets up as a high-scoring affair between two red hot ACC squads in Clemson and Wake Forest on Tuesday night. The Tigers are fresh off a 72-64 victory over Duke on Saturday - their seventh straight victory. They've been the picture of consistency from an offensive standpoint, knocking down 25 or more field goals in six of their last seven games. While they've done a good job defensively as well, they've shown little ability (or interest) in slowing down their opponents' pace, allowing 63 or more field goal attempts in three of their last five games. That should open the door for a blazing hot Wake Forest offense that has made good on 28, 29, 30 and 34 field goals over its last four contests. You would have to go back seven games to find the last time the Demon Deacons were held to fewer than 77 points. Like Clemson, Wake hasn't put much of a priority on slowing the opposition, yielding an average of 61 field goal attempts per game here at home this season. Prior to Saturday's blowout win over struggling Boston College (in which it allowed just 22 made field goals), Wake had allowed eight straight opponents to knock down 26 or more field goals. Of course, this will be a rematch of a meeting between these two teams back in December. That was a strange affair as Clemson got off only 43 field goal attempts, making good on 22 of them, yet scored 77 points in a 20-point rout. Wake has rounded into form since then and I'm confident we'll see a much more competitive, entertaining affair this time around. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
01-16-23 | Princeton v. Pennsylvania UNDER 145.5 | 72-60 | Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Princeton and Pennsylvania at 7 pm et on Monday. I like the bounce-back spot for both of these teams defensively after both were involved in 'over' results on Saturday. Princeton inexplicably allowed a middle-of-the-road Brown squad to knock down 28-of-53 field goal attempts in a 72-70 loss. That marked the first time in five games the Tigers allowed an opponent to shoot better than 42.1% from the field. Penn dropped a 75-71 decision at Dartmouth, allowing the Big Green to shoot 27-of-58 from the field. While the Quakers have knocked down 26 or more field goals in four straight games, they've also faced a fairly favorable schedule over that stretch, favored in three of those games with the other coming against the fastest-paced team in the Ivy League, Cornell. I think we're in for a tightly-contested, relatively low-scoring affair here, noting that the most recent meeting produced 163 points in a Princeton blowout win last March, but we haven't seen consecutive meetings in this series go 'over' the total since three straight did back in 2017-18. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
01-15-23 | Marist v. Niagara -5 | 66-64 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 52 m | Show | |
My selection is on Niagara minus the points over Marist at 12 noon et on Sunday. I'll lay the points with Niagara on Sunday as it looks to snap its two-game losing streak with a home date against suddenly streaking Marist. The Red Foxes actually check into this contest off consecutive wins - both coming in outright underdog fashion. Let's keep things in perspective, though. Marist is still 6-9 on the season and has faced just the 355th most difficult schedule in the nation (according to KenPom). It's not that Niagara has faced all that tough of a schedule either - 287th in terms of adjusted strength of schedule. However, the Purple Eagles have gone 9-7 and would be 10-6 were it not for a late collapse against a tough Siena squad on Friday. Despite facing the tougher schedule, Niagara has made one more field goal per game, on two fewer attempts per contest, compared to Marist this season. Defensively, the two teams are close to a wash, with the exception being from beyond the arc, where the Red Foxes have allowed three more made threes on six additional attempts per game. The last time these two teams met last March, it was no contest as Niagara rolled to an 83-52 victory. While this rematch isn't likely to be as lopsided, I'm still confident we see the Purple Eagles get the win and cover. Take Niagara (8*). | |||||||
01-14-23 | Utah v. USC UNDER 135.5 | 56-71 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Utah and USC at 10:30 pm et on Saturday. I expect this game to be played at a snail's pace as Utah looks to 'ugly it up' in an effort to come away with something from this two-game road trip to Los Angeles. The Utes couldn't muster any sort of offense against the mighty Bruins of UCLA last time out and will be hard-pressed to do much better against another terrific defensive squad in USC on Saturday. The good news is, the Utes can play some defense (they rank 19th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom) - something we didn't necessarily see from them in the loss to UCLA. I expect Utah to step up defensively against a more manageable offensive opponent here and ultimately help keep this one 'under' the lofty total. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
01-14-23 | Bradley v. Drake OVER 128.5 | Top | 61-86 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
Missouri Valley Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Bradley and Drake at 8 pm et on Saturday. This isn't the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and as such I think we'll see a much looser, up-tempo game between these two conference powerhouses than what you would expect to see in March. We're talking about two of the best offensive teams in the MVC on paper. Bradley has certainly showed it over its last two games, scoring 88 and 91 points in wins over Valpo and Evansville. While the level of competition steps up here, I like the consistency Bradley has shown at the offensive end of the floor, making good on 27 or more field goals in six of its last seven games. Drake comes off of a pair of exceptional offensive performances as well, scoring 82 and 76 points in wins over Murray State and Illinois-Chicago. The most recent meeting between these two teams last February was a low-scoring affair but of note, we haven't seen consecutive 'under' results between these two teams since back in 2018-19. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
01-14-23 | Air Force v. Fresno State OVER 123 | 51-48 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 51 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Air Force and Fresno State at 7 pm et on Saturday. I simply feel this total will prove too low given the improvement Air Force has shown offensively, combined with the porous nature of both defenses. The Falcons have quietly been lighting it up, knocking down 24 or more field goals in seven of their last eight games. They hung 85 points on the board in a double-digit win over Colorado State last time out. Meanwhile, Fresno State has been getting absolutely torched defensively, allowing 27, 29 and 31 made field goals over its last three games. However, the line dictates a close affair in favor of the hometown Bulldogs here and that's reasonable when you consider Air Force has yielded more than 70 points in four straight games, allowing six straight opponents to knock down at least 23 field goals. I think we're in for a much higher-scoring game than most expect here. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
01-14-23 | Virginia v. Florida State OVER 131 | 67-58 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 45 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Virginia and Florida State at 4 pm et on Saturday. I don't think this is going to be the defensive slugfest that most are expecting in Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon. Virginia has been a bit different than we've come to expect this season, riding its offense a little more on the way to a 12-3 overall record. The Cavaliers enter this game having gotten into the 60's or 70's in terms of scoring in seven straight games. Florida State is in the middle of a tough campaign but has certainly played better basketball lately. The Seminoles check in having scored 73 or more points in six of their last seven contests. Florida State does continue to struggle defensively, however, yielding 28 or more made field goals in four of its last five games. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
01-14-23 | Troy State v. Appalachian State OVER 133.5 | 45-58 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 20 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Troy and Appalachian State at 4 pm et on Saturday. I think we're in for a barn-burner between these two teams on Saturday afternoon and that should lend itself to a relatively high-scoring affair. Both teams average in the mid-20's in terms of three-point attempts per game. There's certainly a wide range of outcomes in this contest given Troy's defensive ability and the pace that Appalachian State plays at but I believe the most likely one is a game where both teams approach or eclipse the 70-point mark. We're being given a relatively low total to work with largely due to the fact that the Trojans come in off consecutive low-scoring 'under' results. That of course has little bearing on today's matchup in particular. Take the over (8*). | |||||||
01-14-23 | Pennsylvania v. Dartmouth UNDER 141.5 | 71-75 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Penn and Dartmouth at 2 pm et on Saturday. A little too much respect being given to the Penn offense here. Dartmouth plays at a fast pace but doesn't shoot particularly well and is in line for some regression on Saturday. We've seen some high-scoring matchups between these two teams in recent years, but I don't think this will be one of them. Note that the last two meetings have seen totals posted in the 130's. I believe this number will prove too high as Penn ultimately stretches out the margin and takes the air out of the basketball in the second half. Take the under (8*). | |||||||
01-14-23 | Wisconsin v. Indiana OVER 135.5 | Top | 45-63 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 23 m | Show |
Big Ten Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Wisconsin and Indiana at 1 pm et on Saturday. The 'over' has cashed in each of Wisconsin's last two games while Indiana has seen all three of its Big Ten contests sail 'over' the total, allowing 91, 84 and 85 points in the process. While the Badgers aren't exactly known for their offensive prowess, I do think they find the going much easier against the Hoosiers non-existent defense after facing Illinois and Michigan State in their last two games. On the flip side, it's desperation time for Indiana and at home in what is a stand-alone Big Ten matchup on Saturday afternoon, I do think we see it come to play. The Hoosiers offense hasn't necessarily been the problem, even if it is coming off a poor showing against Penn State last time out. Prior to that, Indiana had put up 89 and 83 points against Iowa and Northwestern, respectively. I think we see both teams approach or eclipse the 70-point mark in this one. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
01-13-23 | Siena v. Niagara +2.5 | 70-64 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 29 m | Show | |
MAAC Game of the Week. My selection is on Niagara minus the points over Siena at 7 pm et on Friday. I like the spot for Niagara here as it returns home following a tough five-point road loss at Manhattan last time out. The Purple Eagles simply appeared to run out of gas following a hard-fought win at Fairfield two nights earlier. Here, I look for a much sharper performance as they look to take down still-undefeated in MAAC play Siena, which rides in on a six-game winning streak. Note that Niagara is undefeated at home this season, having gone a perfect 5-0. The Purple Eagles have outscored the opposition by an average margin of 13.0 points on this floor. Siena actually checks in having won outright as an underdog in three consecutive road games. It's a different story here as the Saints enter as the road favorite for the first time this season. While the two teams have faced similar schedules this season (according to KenPom only 11 places separate the two teams in terms of adjusted strength of schedule), Niagara has proven to be the tougher defensive team. The Purple Eagles are giving up three fewer made field goals per game on just one less attempt allowed on average compared to the Saints. Offensively is virtually a wash with Siena holding perhaps the slightest of edges. Take Niagara (10*). | |||||||
01-11-23 | UC-Santa Barbara v. CS Bakersfield +9 | Top | 60-48 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 24 m | Show |
Big West Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Cal State-Bakersfield plus the points over Cal-Santa Barbara at 10 pm et on Wednesday. In what projects as a low-scoring battle between these two Big West Conference foes, I'll grab all the points I can get with the underdog home side. Bakersfield checks in off a blowout road loss at Cal-Davis but has managed to cover the spread in each of its last two home contests. Santa Barbara rides an eight-game winning streak into this one but failed to cover for the first time in its last six lined games in a five-point victory at Cal-Poly last time out. You would have to go back eight games to find the last time Bakersfield allowed an opponent to get off more than 52 field goal attempts. You would have to go back the same number of games to find the last time one of its opponents knocked down more than 22 field goals. It all adds up to a lot of tightly-contested affairs. The argument can certainly be made that Bakersfield is the better defensive team in this matchup, especially when you consider it has faced the 203rd most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom, compared to Santa Barbara which has gone against the 319th toughest slate of opponents by the same metric. Bakersfield has dropped the last two meetings in this series by 12 and 19 points but that's after the first four were each decided by seven points or less. Take Cal State-Bakersfield (10*). | |||||||
01-11-23 | Tulane v. SMU +5 | 97-88 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on SMU plus the points over Tulane at 8 pm et on Wednesday. While Tulane enters this game off three consecutive wins, both SU and ATS, SMU checks in off back-to-back losses, also SU and ATS. Both of those Mustang losses came in blowout fashion, but they came in matchups against tougher opponents than they'll face here on Wednesday. That's been the story for SMU for much of the campaign as it has faced a grueling schedule - the 34th toughest in the nation according to KenPom. Tulane, on the other hand, has made the most of the 292nd most difficult schedule in the country by the same metric. Despite the wide disparity in strength of schedule, SMU has actually managed to post very similar defensive numbers to those of Tulane while only lagging slightly from an offensive standpoint. With little to choose between these two teams, I'll gladly grab the generous helping of points with the home side. Take SMU (8*). | |||||||
01-11-23 | New Hampshire v. Maine -3 | Top | 71-58 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 53 m | Show |
America East Game of the Year. My selection is on Maine minus the points over New Hampshire at 7 pm et on Wednesday. Maine has lost five games in row entering this conference clash, yet two perhaps three of those five losses just as easily could have gone the Black Bears way. Maine has faced the 231st most difficult schedule in the nation this season according to KenPom - certainly not something to get too excited about. However, tonight's opponent, New Hampshire, has gone against the 329th toughest slate of opponents. The Wildcats are off a big outright underdog home win over Vermont as nine-point underdogs last time out. They've recorded back-to-back ATS wins just once this season, back in early December. Note that UNH is a miserable 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games following a win over an America East opponent, outscored by 5.3 points on average in that situation. Take Maine (10*). | |||||||
01-11-23 | Furman v. Mercer +7 | Top | 84-66 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 46 m | Show |
Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Mercer plus the points over Furman at 7 pm et on Wednesday. I really like the way this spot sets up for underdog Mercer, a team that's not all that accustomed to being in that role here at home. The Bears have lost four games in a row both SU and ATS but I fully expect them to bounce back here as they catch Furman off consecutive wins and covers, with the most recent coming on the road against East Tennessee State. Note that while Furman is 8-1 SU at home this season, it has only managed to split its eight road contests to date. Mercer is 4-3 on its home floor compared to 3-7 on the road. I'll also point out that Furman has faced the 313th toughest schedule in the country this season according to KenPom - in other words, the Palladins have been padding their 12-5 record with a rather weak slate of opponents. I like the fact that despite facing the tougher schedule, the Bears have actually posted the better defensive numbers, allowing three fewer made field goals per game despite allowing just one less attempt per contest in comparison with the Palladins. You can be sure this is a game the Bears have had circled all season after dropping all three meetings with Furman last season. Take Mercer (10*). | |||||||
01-10-23 | Ball State v. Ohio -2.5 | 71-76 | Win | 100 | 11 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on Ohio minus the points over Ball State at 7 pm et on Tuesday. I like the way this spot sets up for Ohio at home as it looks to snap its brief two-game skid (both losses came on the road) at home against Ball State. The Cardinals are red hot - winners of seven straight games including two in a row ATS. However, they've faced the 271st toughest schedule in the country this season according to KenPom. By contrast, Ohio has gone against the 181st most difficult slate of opponents by the same metric. I do feel the Bobcats can present a 'shock to the system' for the Cardinals as they like to push the pace, something Ball State certainly didn't see in a home game against Akron last time out. Here, we'll note that Ohio is an impressive 30-10 ATS when coming off consecutive road losses going all the way back to 1997. Take Ohio (8*). | |||||||
01-10-23 | Oklahoma State +5 v. Kansas State | Top | 57-65 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 55 m | Show |
Big 12 Game of the Year. My selection is on Oklahoma State plus the points over Kansas State at 7 pm et on Tuesday. I really like the way this one sets up for Oklahoma State in an underdog role in Manhattan on Tuesday. The Cowboys check in just 9-6 on the season - a far cry from Kansas State's sterling 14-1 mark. However, Oklahoma State has faced the 24th most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom. Kansas State ranks 87th in that department. In spite of that, the Cowboys have been the superior defensive team in my opinion, allowing two fewer made field goals on two more attempts per game compared to the Wildcats. It's rare that we see Kansas State win a game in this series by margin. You would have to go back seven meetings to find the the last time the Wildcats won by more than three points - all the way to February of 2019. On the heels of eight straight victories, the last three coming in ATS fashion as well including back-to-back upset wins at Texas and Baylor, I can't help but feel a letdown is in order for the Wildcats here. Take Oklahoma State (10*). | |||||||
01-10-23 | VCU v. Loyola-Chicago UNDER 137 | Top | 78-64 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 34 m | Show |
Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between VCU and Loyola-Chicago at 7 pm et on Tuesday. VCU enters this showdown off three consecutive 'over' results while Loyola-Chicago has seen each of its last four contests go 'over' the total. I look for a reversal of those trends on Tuesday, however. Neither team has faced all that difficult of a schedule this season according to KenPom - both teams rank well north of 200th in the country in that department. VCU is knocking down an average of 23 field goals per game with that number dropping to 21 away from home. While Loyola-Chicago has made good on an impressive 29 field goals per contest here at home, that's had everything to do with the slate of opponents it has faced. The Ramblers have hosted Fairleigh-Dickinson, Central Arkansas, Depaul, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Albany and George Washington to date. You could certainly argue this will be their toughest defensive test to date on their home floor. Take the under (10*). | |||||||
01-09-23 | Florida A&M +16 v. Grambling State | 57-62 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on Florida A&M plus the points over Grambling at 8 pm et on Monday. No team in the country has faced as tough of a schedule as Florida A&M this season according to KenPom so perhaps it's not surprising that it checks in sporting an ugly 2-11 record. The Rattlers have lost five games in a row SU and back-to-back contests ATS following a three-game ATS winning streak. Grambling on the other hand has won consecutive games to improve to 9-6 on the campaign. It has faced the 186th most difficult schedule in the country. Noting that Grambling has managed to get off 46, 51 and 53 field goal attempts over its last three contests. I believe it will be hard-pressed to cover such a lofty pointspread here. Take Florida A&M (8*). | |||||||
01-08-23 | Rider +6.5 v. Siena | Top | 63-68 | Win | 100 | 5 h 23 m | Show |
MAAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Rider plus the points over Siena at 2 pm et on Sunday. I'll grab all the points I can get with the underdog Broncs here as they look to snap their brief two-game skid (they've lost three in a row ATS) on the road against Siena on Sunday afternoon. The Saints have reeled off five consecutive victories both SU and ATS, including four outright wins as short underdogs (+3.5 points or less). I simply like the way Rider has limited its opponents scoring opportunities, even in losing efforts over the last two games, with its last two foes getting off just 49 and 55 field goal attempts. Siena has allowed two of its last three opponents to hoist up 60 or more FG attempts. On the flip side, the Saints have topped out at 53 or less FG attempts in five of their last six contests, making them difficult to trust laying a considerable number of points here. Take Rider (10*). | |||||||
01-06-23 | Dartmouth v. Yale OVER 129 | Top | 81-77 | Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
Ivy League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Dartmouth and Yale at 7 pm et on Friday. I like the way this one sets up as a higher-scoring affair than most are expecting on Friday night. Dartmouth limps into this game on the heels of six consecutive losses, not to mention six straight 'under' results. The Big Green have done little to slow the pace of the opposition, allowing an average of 61 field goal attempts per game on the season. That spells trouble as Yale likes to push the pace, having hoisted up 60 or more FG attempts in six of its last eight games and gets a chance to show out here at home for the first time since November 30th (each of its last six games were played on the road). The Bulldogs check in off consecutive 'under' results. Note that both teams present a bit of a 'shock to the system' for the opposing defenses in this one as Dartmouth gets off an average of 26 three-point attempts per game while Yale hoists up 24 shots from beyond the arc per contest, with both teams having faced an average of only 19 attempts per game in that department. Last year's matchup between these two teams on Yale's home floor totalled 141 points, despite the two teams getting off just 53 (Dartmouth) and 50 (Yale) FG attempts. You would have to go back 10 meetings here at Yale - all the way to 2012 - to find the last time these two teams combined to score fewer than 130 points in a game against one another. Take the over (10*). | |||||||
01-05-23 | Washington +19 v. Arizona | 67-70 | Win | 100 | 11 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on Washington plus the points over Arizona at 11 pm et on Thursday. I'll grab all the points I can get with Washington in this spot as it hits the road off five consecutive home games (note that it has gone a perfect 7-0 ATS in its last seven road games following consecutive home contests) and looks to snap its three-game SU and ATS skid against red hot Arizona. The Wildcats have reeled off seven straight wins but they're just 1-1-1 ATS over their last three contests. Factoring in tonight's lofty pointspread, you would have to go all the way back to 2016 to find the last time Arizona covered a number this high at home against Washington. As talented as the Wildcats are, they're still just 6-7 ATS in lined games this season. I believe they're being asked to lay too many points here. Take Washington (8*). | |||||||
01-05-23 | Portland State +6.5 v. Eastern Washington | Top | 80-92 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 44 m | Show |
Big Sky Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Portland State plus the points over Eastern Washington at 9 pm et on Thursday. I really like the way this one sets up for Portland State and perhaps more so as a fade of Eastern Washington, which rolls in on the heels of seven consecutive ATS wins. Portland State has won just once in its last five games although it was the underdog in all five contests so perhaps that was to be expected. The Vikings have faced the 54th most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom. By contrast, Eastern Washington has gone against the 131rd toughest slate of opponents. I like the consistency the Vikings have shown offensively, knocking down 29, 24, 26 and 23 field goals over their last four games while also limiting nine straight opponents to 58 or fewer field goal attempts. It's a different story for Eastern Washington, particularly at the defensive end of the floor as it has allowed three straight and four of its last five opponents to hoist up more than 60 field goal attempts. Portland State has lost five straight meetings in this series but three of those games were decided by five points or less and the other two were settled by eight points. I expect the Vikings to at the very least take this one down to the wire. Take Portland State (10*). | |||||||
01-05-23 | Southern Miss v. UL - Lafayette -1.5 | Top | 61-75 | Win | 100 | 11 h 2 m | Show |
Sun Belt Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Louisiana minus the points over Southern Miss at 8 pm et on Thursday. Color me unimpressed by Southern Miss' 13-2 record this season as it has faced the 316th most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom. The Golden Eagles ride into this game off consecutive victories while Louisiana has dropped each of its last three contests and four in a row ATS. Note that the Ragin' Cajuns have gone against the 175th toughest slate of opponents by the same strength of schedule metric. Louisiana owns a perfect 5-0 record at home this season where it has outscored opponents by just shy of 30.0 points per contest. This is obviously a tougher matchup although it's worth noting that Louisiana handled Southern Miss by 21 points in last season's lone meeting. Southern Miss started the season hot on the road but has now dropped two of its last three away from home, with the lone win coming as a -13.5-point favorite against Lamar. Take Louisiana (10*). | |||||||
01-05-23 | Purdue +1.5 v. Ohio State | 71-69 | Win | 100 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on Purdue plus the points over Ohio State at 7 pm et on Thursday. Simple bounce-back play supporting the Boilermakers here as they look to rebound after losing outright at home against Rutgers last time out. Purdue has now dropped the cash in eight straight games and faces an Ohio State squad that has won three games in a row both SU and ATS. I simply feel the Boilermakers are the better team at both ends of the floor and will prove it with a convincing victory on Thursday. Take Purdue (8*). | |||||||
01-05-23 | Maryland +6.5 v. Rutgers | 50-64 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on Maryland plus the points over Rutgers at 6:30 pm et on Thursday. I'll grab all the points I can get with Maryland here as it looks to snap a two-game ATS skid against a Rutgers squad that has won four in a row both SU and ATS. We missed the mark fading the Scarlet Knights last time out, but that was as big underdogs at Purdue. Off that upset victory, I do see fit to against Rutgers again here. Note that Maryland has faced the 100th most difficult schedule in the country this season according to KenPom. Rutgers checks in 179th by the same strength of schedule metric. The Terps shot a miserable 26.5% from the field in their last game - a blowout loss at Michigan. I don't think it will be difficult to put that uncompetitive affair behind them and rebound here. Take Maryland (8*). | |||||||
01-04-23 | New Mexico State +2.5 v. Stephen F Austin | 60-69 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on New Mexico State plus the points over Stephen F. Austin at 7:30 pm et on Wednesday. This one sets up nicely for New Mexico State as it hits the road on the heels of consecutive losses SU and four in a row ATS. The sky is not falling for the Aggies, however, noting that they've faced an incredibly tough schedule this season - 58th most difficult in the nation according to KenPom. They're just 1-3 SU in true road games but 2-1-1 ATS with a pair of losses by three points or less. Stephen F. Austin is coming off four consecutive SU wins and two in a row ATS. Note that the Lumberjacks have faced the 284th toughest schedule in the country this season. They're a woeful 3-12 ATS when coming off two ATS wins in their last three games over the last three seasons, as is the case here. I like the fact that the Aggies, despite facing the much tougher schedule, have proven to be the better defensive team, holding opponents to the same number of made field goals per game (23) despite allowing five more field goal attempts per contest compared to SFA. Note that the road team took both meetings between these two squads last season. Take New Mexico State (8*). | |||||||
01-04-23 | Tulsa +13.5 v. Tulane | 77-93 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tulsa plus the points over Tulane at 7 pm et on Wednesday. The wheels have come off for Tulsa lately as it checks in off three consecutive losses SU and riding an inexplicable 10-game ATS losing skid. I expect the Golden Hurricane to right the ship here, or at the very least give Tulane all it can handle. It's not as if the Green Wave have been rolling. They're just 2-10 ATS over their last 12 contests. While Tulsa hasn't exactly faced the best of the best, ranked 135th in the country in terms of strength of schedule according to KenPom, that's still far better than Tulane, which has faced the 311th most difficult slate of opponents. After getting blasted by 34 points as a short 3.5-point underdog against Tulane last year, I think we can count on Tulsa to bring its best effort here. Take Tulsa (8*). | |||||||
01-04-23 | Miami-FL v. Georgia Tech +6.5 | Top | 70-76 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Georgia Tech plus the points over Miami at 7 pm et on Wednesday. I like the way this spot sets up for Georgia Tech as it looks to snap Miami's nine-game winning streak on Wednesday night. The Hurricanes roll in red hot off consecutive ATS wins, including an outright underdog win over Virginia and most recently a double-digit road victory against Notre Dame. Still, we'll note that the Canes have faced just the 132nd most difficult schedule in the country this season while Georgia Tech has gone against the 70th toughest slate of opponents (according to KenPom). The Yellow Jackets will obviously be amped up for this matchup as they check in off consecutive blowout home losses against Clemson and Virginia. Things won't get any easier after this game with road tilts against Florida State and Notre Dame on deck. This is undoubtedly a matchup the Jackets have had circled after dropping both matchups against the Canes last season. Of note, they were listed a just three-point underdogs in last year's home meeting with Miami. Georgia Tech is a long-term 79-53 ATS when coming off a game in which it scored 60 points or less, as is the case here, and also 81-52 ATS when following consecutive losses against conference opponents. Take Georgia Tech (10*). |
Service | Profit |
---|---|
William Burns | $1,395 |
Joey Tron | $617 |
Ray Monohan | $607 |
Ross Benjamin | $583 |
Big Al McMordie | $401 |
Matt Fargo | $327 |
Ricky Tran | $297 |
Sean Higgs | $140 |
Jesse Schule | $98 |
Kyle Hunter | $66 |