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The CAA Conference tournament continues Sunday as Monmouth faces Drexel. Both teams had lopsided wins versus each other this season. Drexel won the first matchup 73 to 51, and Monmouth won the more recent matchup 93 to 73. The correlation of points scored for Monmouth in both matchups is a direct reflection of how Monmouth improved in conference in the scoring department. Tail the Hawks to advance and cover the number.

Cal Santa Barbara has had a full week off as they look to end their Big West season on a positive note. Prior they have lost four out of their last five games with two overtime losses, and a close four point loss to UC Irvine. They’ll take on a UC San Diego team they defeated 62 to 48 earlier this season, and a Tritons team that had a tough second half in Thursday’s loss to Cal State Fullerton. Back UC Santa Barbara to finish off the season on a positive note. 

A team that has surged from a 4 and 8 conference record is Colorado State. They have won eight straight games, and are coming off a start to finish outright win at New Mexico on Wednesday. Look for a close game as both teams look to go into Mountain West tournament action playing their best basketball. Tail the Broncos to end the Rams winning streak on their home floor in the regular season finale.

Florida International concludes their Conference USA season at home hosting Western Kentucky. The Panthers are a team that tend to have lapses for key stretches in games. That’s led to a 1-4 ATS stretch over their last five home games. Take Western Kentucky who outscored the Panthers by a score of 50 to 32 in the second half of the first matchup on February 7th. 

In tournament action winning the first game in dramatic fashion can be the spark to get a team on a run. Southeast Missouri State won yesterday thanks to Lindenwood’s poor shooting at the free throw line, and got a last second basket to prevail. Their Coach Brad Korn, already was looking forward to tonight’s matchup against Morehead State in the postgame interview. A team in Morehead State that he mentioned has had a full week off. Look for that to have an impact early, as most teams that have played so far have struggled to shoot in the first half adjusting to the Ford Center arena.

Presbyterian heads into Big South tournament action having lost three games in a row all by close margins. Today, they will face a Radford team that scored at will in both matchups with 80 and 93 points. One victory was by 19 and the other by 9. Tournament action everything changes, and I expect Presbyterian to rise to the occasion after two close losses against the top teams in High Point and Winthrop.

Brown is better than their overall Ivy League record of 3 and 10. ATS wise they have covered in four out of their last five games, and won two games during that stretch.  Yet, they are getting to much benefit on the spread today as a near pick em against Penn. A Quakers squad that has won six out of seven games. Take Penn.

Lindenwood survived yesterday’s win over Arkansas Little Rock after nearly blowing a 27 to 9 lead. They will take on a Southeast Missouri State team that is 10 and 2 over their last 12 games. One of their worst halves all season was against Lindenwood where they trailed 45 to 18 at halftime. This is one of those games where the lower seed could very easily be the favorite. Tail Lindenwood as the slight underdog.

Horizon League action continues on Wednesday as Oakland hosts Northern Kentucky. The Golden Grizzlies may have the worse overall record but they were two games better in conference than the Norse. The difference in a home game and an away game was the fact they defeated Northern Kentucky in both regular season matchups. Take the Grizzlies for the three game sweep on the moneyline.

Having a key injury late in the season always creates an adjustment period for a team. For BYU, they are a different team without Richie Saunders and now can move forward without being a ranked team. Cincinnati’s strength at home has featured wins in six out of their last seven home games. That has created a value spot to fade them, as BYU does enough to cover the short number.

One of the disappointing teams in the SWAC have been the Southern Jaguars. They’ve lost three out of their last four games, including consecutive games at home. Even with their downfall play today’s opponent is favorable against an Alabama State team that is turnover prone. They had 17 turnovers in the first matchup against Southern, and rank 313th in the country in turnovers per game. Tail Southern.

Charleston has the tough task of closing out their season against the top team in the CAA in UNC Wilmington. The Cougars already lost by twelve points in the first matchup, and will play their fourth road game out of their last five. Unlike UNC Wilmington tonight is the final regular season game for Charleston. Look for that to be a factor for the Cougars to close out the season strong, and at least cover against UNC Wilmington.

I’ll add one more play for the night cap as Long Beach State finds themselves as a road favorite, despite losing ten straight games. One of their four Big West wins was against Cal State Bakersfield in which they won 81 to 75. Look for Long Beach State to be hungry to get what could quite possibly be their last win of the season. Lay the number with Long Beach State.

Both Alabama A&M and Alabama State have had a full week off since they last stepped on the court last Saturday. Alabama A&M finds themselves as a slim home favorite despite being second in the SWAC conference. Alabama State had the victory in hand at home against Alabama A&M with a four point lead with a minute and a half to go, but did not score another point. Look for the revenge angle to come to fruition here. Grab Alabama State plus the points.

Out in the Southland Conference, Southeast Louisiana has lost eight straight conference road games. They’re in last place out of the twelve conference teams in the Southland. Of their five wins they did defeat today’s opponent in Nicholls by a score of 67 to 61. The Colonels just ended a four game road trip where they scored a conference low 53 points. Tail Southeast Louisiana. 

Embarrassing losses can spark a team to bounce back. Look for that angle today as Florida International is coming off a 100 to 67 drubbing in Thursday’s loss against Sam Houston. It’s the Panthers worst loss of the season, and now they will face a Louisiana Tech team forty eight hours later. This is the same Thursday to Saturday scenario where the Panthers beat Louisiana Tech by thirteen points two weeks ago. Tail FIU.

Cal State Northridge has ascended into a first place tie in the Big West with seven straight wins. All three wins at home during that stretch have been by double digits, including a 24 point win over Hawaii. Still, UC Irvine is a team that has matches up well as showcased by a fourteen point win in the first matchup. Take Irvine to end Cal State Northridge’s win streak.

After losing seven straight games, Abilene Christian has won three out of their last four games. The market has them as a short road underdog against a team in Utah Tech tied for the most wins in the WAC with Utah Valley. Utah Tech has won seven out of their last eight games, and their best conference win was by 15 points against Abilene Christian. Yet, with the WAC having just seven teams it means some teams meet three times. That is the case tonight which so difficult to beat a team three times in one year. Tail Abilene Christian.

Washington State looks to go 2-0 on Loyola Marymount tonight. They won the first matchup 78-76, in a game they came back from a 24-10 deficit. Loyola Marymount is returning from a three game road trip, and since December 30th have had issues winning games in conference. The only two teams they have defeated are San Francisco and San Diego. Tail Washington State.

Record-wise, Western Carolina looks below average with a 12-15 overall record. Yet, they come into tonight on a four game winning streak. All four wins have come against teams at the bottom of the Southern Conference. Still win streaks give teams confidence, and now they have a chance to take down one of the top teams in conference in Mercer. The Catamounts showed how explosive they can be with 52 second half points in the first meeting against Mercer. Tail the home underdog.

New Mexico survived a road scare their last time out against Fresno State, where they had to mount a comeback from a double digit deficit. It could of been a look ahead spot to facing Nevada which has been superb at home in league play, with a 6-1 mark. This includes upsetting the top team in conference in Utah State Saturday as a home dog. Look for the Lobos to redial in and complete the series sweep over Reno. Grab the points.

UMass heads on the road tonight with losses in four straight games. Two of those four losses were in overtime, including losing to Buffalo on Saturday 86 to 82. Today is the right opponent against Ball State, which ironically was UMass’s first conference win since rejoining the MAC on January 10th. Grab UMass to snap their losing streak against a Ball State team that has lost six straight against MAC opponents.

Extended rest is not always valuable in certain sports. I believe that to be the case in college basketball at this time of year. Rice comes in not having played since last Sunday, and now traveling on the road to face a Tulane team that’s won multiple games in row. Tail the Green Wave on their home floor as they handle Rice.

Towson is another team that small spreads have not been kind to them. In their last matchup against Monmouth they gave up a game winning three pointer in the final minute to lose by one point. Drexel returns home after playing three of four on the road, and guts it out today as a home underdog. 

Since January 14th, Holy Cross has won just one game in Patriot League play with a record of 1-9. That does not mean they have not been competitive as they have had five close losses during that stretch, including losing Wednesday after giving up an 18 point lead to Lafayette. Take the Crusaders to be fired up after that let down plus the points against Bucknell.

A team that has played beneath their capabilities has been the Ohio Bobcats. The offense has not been what it should be with the upperclassmen that they have. Just one game above .500 today is a spot where they should be able to take advantage against a non defensive team like Northern Illinois. Take the Bobcats as they have one of their more efficient games offensively in quite some time.

Miami Ohio continues to prove bettors fading them wrong, as they remain undefeated. Their last two wins and covers were strongly against the market against Ohio and UMass. Today the spread has corrected enough for me to find value on Bowling Green. They were not ready for Miami Ohio way back on December 30th, when they trailed 54 to 28. They made a game of it in the second half, and play better this time around to cover the number.

The two bottom teams in the Ivy League will meet tonight as Princeton travels to face Brown. Brown is looking to avenge a ten point loss to Princeton in the first matchup 63 to 53. The Bears ended a six game losing streak their last time out with a win over Dartmouth, and have a chance to get their first two game winning streak in Ivy League play. Buy the Bears tonight.

One of the more dramatic come from behind covers on the season was Colorado State on a Friday night against UNLV. The spread was 6.5-7.5, and UNLV led nearly the entire game before a significant drought to close out the game. Letting games slip away and being a small home favorite typically are not a great side to tail. Fade UNLV’s three game win streak and take the underdog with Colorado State.

UNC Greensboro is currently on a season best four game winning streak. The streak began with a narrow three point home win over tonight’s opponent in Western Carolina. The Catamounts themselves are aiming for their first three game win streak this season against division one competition. Take Western Carolina for the series split, as this is a key game for bottom seeding for the upcoming Southern Conference tournament.

American University has had a big drop off on their ATS value as they have lost five out of their last six games. One of the losses in the middle of their losing streak was against today’s opponent in Bucknell. It was a close one point, 60 to 59 loss. Expect the Eagles who won the Patriot League conference tournament a season ago, to get back to American play as they win their second straight game. Lay the number.

NC State should be one of the hungriest teams on Tuesday’s slate. They have suffered consecutive losses for the first time this season. One in blowout fashion, and another in inexcusable fashion blowing a late lead against Miami. Additionally, Ven-Allen Lubin will face his former team in the Tar Heels. Lay the number with NC State.

Ohio disappointed with Friday’s loss against Miami-Ohio, where they fell flat in the second half. That could be an issue early on even with a rest advantage over tonight’s opponent in Ball State. The Cardinals have just three MAC conference wins, and one win against a team above .500 in conference. That win came against Ohio with a 76 to 71 victory. More about the high number here than a chance for a win, but tail Ball State plus the points.

The Green Bay Phoenix continue to rack up wins in Horizon League play where they are in third place overall. Early in non conference play the spreads were reflective of the old Green Bay Phoenix team that consistently lost. The market has now caught up, and this should be a spot where Milwaukee can win solely based on having the home court edge. They came back from a 21 point deficit in the first matchup to take a five point lead late, but were not able to hold on. Grab the Panthers at home.

Expect a tight one today as Manhattan tries to equal a season best three game winning streak. To do so they will need to get past Canisius. The Golden Griffins have lost ten games in a row, and have just three wins in MAAC conference play. Their last win actually came against Manhattan in which they won 70 to 64. Tail the home underdog here with Canisius.

In what could be the matchup of the day Siena will take on Quinnipiac in the MAAC. This is a key game as both are separated by just a half game in the MAAC standings. For Siena this is a one game break after playing three of their last four on the road. They then will go back on the road for two more games against Marist and Merrimack. Look for Siena to take advantage early as Quinnipiac is coming of their lowest scoring output of the season with just 56 points against Niagara. Take Siena.

Out in WAC play a big number lies with Utah Valley, even though Utah Tech has won four out of their last five games. When it comes to the Wolverines each of their last six wins have been by double figures. This includes a 16 point win over Utah Tech at home in which they scored 61 second half points. They also have extra motivation seeing former three year player Ethan Potter now on Utah Tech. Lay it here with Utah Valley.

UNC Asheville has played their best basketball currently on the season. They’ve won three out of their last four games, and their last two losses were to the top team in the conference in Winthrop. In today’s rematch look for a better effort from Longwood that was not ready in the first matchup in an early Saturday game. This one will be tighter but take UNC Asheville to cover here +2.5.

This year’s Toledo is not the Rockets we are use to seeing. It’s been a correlation of an average season both in-conference and non-conference play for Toledo. They are 6-5 in MAC play and 12-12 overall. Their current form is a good time to buy as they are just 2-5 over their last seven games, with only one win better than tonight’s spread. Grab the Rockets in an isolated spot against the worst team in MAC in Western Michigan.

The teams traveling on the road in SWAC play Monday are always devalued on the spread. Prairie View A&M will likely trail early against a Florida A&M team seeking a win. They come into today on a four game losing streak. Just last Monday they were still undefeated at home, but have shown a decline offensively. In Saturday’s loss they scored a conference low 57 points against Texas Southern. Grab the points here with Prairie View A&M.

A team that has raised their level of play and been a covering machine has been UT Rio Valley Grande. They have won six straight games and went 5-1 ATS during that stretch. Their worst loss in-conference though came against today’s opponent in New Orleans. Take the Privateers to end the Vasqueros win streak.

Northern Colorado has finally looked like the team that was expected to be in the middle of the pack of the Big Sky. They’ve won three straight conference games, and now travel to face an Idaho State team they defeated by thirteen points in the first matchup. This is a buy low spot on the Bengals coming off losing to the worst team in conference in NAU, and their six game losing streak. Take Idaho State.

Western Kentucky should be in a golden position today as they remain home, while Florida International continues their road trip. The Panthers had to go into overtime to get a win, but I have high concern with the Hilltoppers. They did not capitalize in several spots against Jacksonville State, and I look for that loss to lead to a carry over effect today. Take the underdog in FIU. 

Two teams trending in opposite directions are Dayton and VCU. The Flyers have dropped four out of their last five, and most importantly have failed to cover each. This includes their last spotlight game last Friday where they lost by thirty one against Saint Louis. The market has over adjusted with VCU riding a season best six game win streak. Grab the Flyers to cover as the road underdog.

The Memphis Tigers cost backers in a key spot Sunday as a big favorite over a Tulane team that had lost five games in a row. It was a tough game to lose for the Tigers who are now back to below .500. Yet, UAB is a team that has been focused on the road and lackluster at home. They’ve won five straight conference road games, but lost four straight home games. Tail Memphis.

Tonight Jacksonville State is in their third straight road game. It’s the first time all season the Gamecocks have been on a road trip longer than two games all season. But tonight is a favorable opponent against a Western Kentucky team they defeated by eleven points in the first matchup. This may not be an outright win but grab the key number here with the underdog. 

Sometimes all it takes is one bad loss to cause a team to derail. I’m looking for that angle tonight in the Ohio Valley with Morehead State. The Eagles cost themselves a win in their last matchup Saturday against Lindenwood with a late turnover. That ended a four gam win streak. This is also a revenge spot for Southeast Missouri State who have gained traction with four straight wins. Lay the number here.

A spread that I believe has flipped the wrong way is in the MAAC with Fairfield and Sacred Heart. Seeing both teams records shows a four game difference with Fairfield. In conference tells a different story though where Sacred Heart has won five out of their last six games, and has the same conference record as the Stags. Look for a bounce back game from Sacred Heart after a blowout los to Merrimack.

Out in the Atlantic Sun, Bellarmine was recently towards the bottom of the conference. Thanks to winning three out of their last four they have leaped to the middle of the pack. Today’s a sell spot especially with the Knights coming off a victory over Queens. Grab the points here with Stetson.

The Kansas City Roos have just one win in conference with a 1-8 record, and are 4-19 overall. The losses have mounted but they have been competitive in their last two home games. Two close losses by two points against North Dakota, and Denver that was closer than the final score of an eight point loss. Tail the Roos to play better than their first loss to South Dakota in which they gave up 99 points.

A team that continues to be a top level team in Horizon League play is Wright State. They have a conference best 10 and 2 record, but this is also their third straight road game. Robert Morris may not be as talented as last year’s March Madness team, but when they face Wright State the games are typically close. Two games were decided by three points or less last year. Tail Robert Morris.

One does not typically see a team as a road favorite on a three game losing streak. Arkansas State finds themselves in this spot not only on a losing streak but losing five out of their last six. This is a play where the spread guides you on the right side, even with Coastal Carolina having won six of seven games. Tail Arkansas State.

SMU at home is always a tough road trip for ACC opponents. In February that can sway as the grind of ACC play rises. SMU so far has been excellent at home where their only conference loss was by four points against Virginia. NC State could show tired legs early as this is their fourth road game out of their last five, but the experience of a veteran transfer class is starting to show. Tail the Wolf Pack to get their fifth straight win.

SIU Edwardsville has won four out of their last five games, and did beat tonight’s opponent in Lindenwood by four points in the first matchup. They have a true big with 7’1 senior Arnas Sakenis that has scored in double figures in three straight games. While this matchup may be low scoring, look for Lindenwood to close this out at home in the final minutes, and get their first home win since January 22nd.

Out in MAC play Miami Ohio continues to gain traction as they are now ranked 23rd in the country. With that has come increased spreads as a favorite whether home or away. They’ve failed to cover in three out of their last four games, and tonight’s opponent in Buffalo had them on the ropes in a 105 to 102 overtime loss. Tail the home team here in Buffalo.

Jackson State finds themselves as a sizable home underdog despite having a better conference record then Southern. Four out of their last five games have been either wins or a loss by three points or less. Expect a different outcome tonight as Southern takes out their frustrations on losing to the second worst team in conference in Alcorn State.

Reverses in conference are normal and Florida A&M appears to be on a slide. They are still third in the SWAC conference but have dropped consecutive games. Alabama State had a big lead early Saturday against current conference leader Bethune Cookman before faltering. Take the Hornets as they get back in the win column and cover the number. 

Merrimack has a tough matchup out in MAAC play as they host Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart is playing arguably their best basketball of the season on a five game win streak. Despite the recent surge look for Merrimack to find a way late to close the door, and cover as they did in an eight point win early in conference action.

North Alabama is a team that just a year ago was a game away from the big dance for March Madness as they faced Lipscomb in the ASun final. It’s been a disaster year where they have just one win in conference with seven losses. Today they will travel to Stetson which was a close matchup in the first game of a one possession loss. Take North Alabama as this one is close again plus the points. 

The Big West has just one school outside the state of California, and that is Hawaii. Tonight, look for Cal State Northridge to be impacted enough after their last game Saturday was at Hawaii. They’ll face a UC Davis team that picked up their first conference win against Cal State Northridge, 89-80, and has won three out of their last four. Grab the slight underdog here with UC Davis.

Charleston Southern is a team that I still believe can go on a run in the Big South. They have lost five straight games, but three of those games have went into overtime. Free throws have been an issue as well as poor starts. Desperate for a win I expect the Bucs to finally execute for two halves. Tail Charleston Southern. 

Prior to their latest victory, Florida International was second to last in Conference USA. Two of their three conference wins have been against the same opponent in New Mexico State. Tonight, they will attempt to equal their best win streak in conference as they host Jacksonville State. In the first matchup FIU had a three point lead with 13 minutes left, but just could not sustain to the tv timeout at the seven minute mark. Better execution tonight from the Panthers on their home floor, lay the number.

After an 0-7 start, Nicholls began Southland Conference play with a 7-0 record. That has quickly dropped to 7-4, as they are on a four game losing streak and lost to the worst team in-conference Saturday to Southeast Louisiana. Expect a bounce back spot today against a New Orleans team which was their last win on January 10th. Lay it with Nicholls.

UT Rio Valley Grande is starting to come to life in Southland Conference play. They have won three straight games and had their most impressive win of the season in-conference Saturday against Houston Christian. Their improved play is reflected in the spread today taking on the current third place team in Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The Vaqueros keep their momentum and cover on the road tonight.

Jackson State is coming off an embarrassing loss on Saturday against Bethune Cookman 85-48. Now they will face a Florida A&M team that has won five straight games and is undefeated on their home court this season. Traveling with a road and road game Saturday and Monday has this spread skewed just enough. Take the points here with Jackson State.

Fairleigh Dickinson has their best win streak of the season coming into tonight at two games. They handled a Central Connecticut team from start to finish in Friday’s ten point road win. Today, that presents a value opportunity to fade. In a key game today look for the slight favorite in LeMoyne to continue to gain traction as they get their fourth straight win on the season.

Two teams ascending in the American conference are Florida Atlantic and South Florida. Florida Atlantic has won five straight games, but we have seen their road difficulties as they lost three straight road games in the early portion of conference play. South Florida is a streaky scoring team especially from long range. Expect one of those key spurts from the Bulls to ignite them past the number. 

Utah Tech has lost four out of their last five games but did have two of those losses to California Baptist and another to Utah Valley. Those are two teams that have a record of 15-5 and 14-6. Seeing Southern Utah expect the Trailblazers to take out their frustrations as they get a big win to get to 11-11 on the season. 

Tonight look for Charleston Southern to snap out of their losing streak. They have lost four games in a row, but all were close games within five points. Two of them went into overtime, so this is a Charleston team that has been competitive. They take down Longwood and end the Lancers four game home winning streak.

The Sun Belt has a couple of early games today. One appealing side is UL Lafayette who have began to show some value. After starting the year 1-11, they are .500 over their last eight games. This includes defeating a talented South Alabama team on Saturday. The Ragin Cajuns also have covered each of their last three road games. Grab the points here with UL Lafayette. 

Liberty has one of the best win streaks in college basketball at nine games. They are clearly a step above the competition in Conference USA but have had several close wins that sets up a tricky road spot today against Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are desperate for a win 4-3 in conference, and this marks their third straight home game. Grab Western Kentucky as the home underdog.

A point spread that is on the move over the last hour lies in the Patriot League with American against Colgate. American won the conference last season, and their last two games showed their ATS strength. They handled Navy as a home underdog and covered as a sizable road favorite against Army. Tonight though, they take on a Colgate team that defeated them by two points just two weeks ago. Expect another close game with Colgate ending the new found momentum of the Eagles.

When it comes to mid-major schools and the worst week rankings, Southeast Missouri State would be in the top five. They have lost three straight games, including a no contest blowout home loss to Lindenwood in a nationally televised spot as 7.5 point favorites. As poor as they have performed tonight is an opportunity to get one game above .500 as they host the top team in the Ohio Valley in UT Martin. Take the Redhawks on the money line to avoid the short number.

Clemson’s had another fantastic start to their season, and even in two of their three non-conference losses they covered as underdogs against Alabama and BYU. It’s not a surprise that they are 6-0 in ACC play, but today is a tough opponent in NC State that has won both of their ACC conference games on the road. This is played within the small number here. Take the points with the Wolf Pack.

UT Rio Valley Grande is coming off their biggest win of the season. On Saturday, they took down McNeese as a double digit home underdog. That type of win usually is a catalyst for a let down spot, and this is a quick turn around forty eight hours later. Southeast Louisiana has been in games even though their record does not indicate that as they are 1-7 over their last eight games. Grab the Lions plus the points.

The Green Bay Phoenix have truly been one of the best not talked about turn arounds in college basketball. They are 6-2 in league play, and have won seven out of their last eight games. Even with their impressive play oddsmakers continue to make them home underdogs, and this is the spot I believe they have it right. Oakland after a 1-5 start is now above .500 and has a chance to move into second place in the Horizon standings with a win today. Tail Oakland.

Milwaukee began Horizon League play with a 2-0 record, but dropped their final non-conference matchup against Wisconsin by twenty points. That loss carried over to league play where they are 1-4 since. Look for the Panthers to find confidence today against a Purdue Fort Wayne team they had their best conference win against defeating them by twenty two points. Grab the underdog here.

Florida A&M is a team that is winless on the road this season with an 0-8 record. Today is an opportune spot to end that streak as they are coming off a solid home win on Monday over Grambling . Arkansas Pine Bluff also just had their season high five game winning streak snapped against Prairie View. Grab the key number here of three points on the underdog.

Northern Colorado is coming off a tough loss they let get away late against Weber State. Their slide to begin Big Sky play has them with a 1-3 record overall. That makes tonight’s matchup extremely important to get back in the Big Sky race against a Portland State team that is 3-0 on the year. Grab the points here with Northern Colorado.

Lafayette travels for their second straight road game in-conference. It’s the first time this season that has occurred, with the Leopards coming off a twenty six point loss to Navy. Look for a bit of line value here on the underdog off that loss, and the fact that Bucknell has won two straight games at home. Take the underdog here in Lafayette.

The Syracuse Orange have rose their ATS value thanks to winning five out of their last six games. They will take on a Florida State team that is 0-3 in conference play and two games below .500. They are coming off giving up 113 points against NC State. Buy the dip here as the Seminoles show better urgency on the defensive end of the floor.

Normally, a team that has won consecutive games against ranked opponents you would circle for a flat spot. Florida is different as they know what it takes being the defending champion, and understanding the rigors of SEC play. After losing four games in non-conference play by a combined fifteen points, this Gators team has figured it out. Tail the Gators on the road against the Sooners.

Southeast Louisiana’s only win out of their last seven games, came in tonight’s scenario. It was last Monday against Lamar with an eight point victory. For New Orleans extra motivation I expect to be a detriment tonight as former Southeast Louisiana player Jakevion Buckley takes the floor for the Privateers. Grab Southeast Louisiana.

Rutgers put on a clinic from an offensive stand point in an overtime win against Oregon earlier in the week. That effort caused a ripple effect as they were blown out by twenty six points in their latest matchup against Illinois. Getting that first conference win is more than feasible today for Northwestern after an 0-4 start. Grab the Wildcats here as the road favorite.

Covering in consecutive games as a home underdog can be a lure to gravitate towards as a road underdog. North Texas won outright over Tulsa last Sunday, and fought back to lose but cover in their mid week matchup against South Florida. Today though look for Wichita State to be to much for North Texas defensively. Grab the Shockers here.

The Charlotte 49ers continue their road trip in Texas as they take on Rice today. Expect their to be issues early on as Charlotte has difficulty adjusting to Rice, versus the easy opportunities they had against UTSA. Rice, is also coming off a hard fought win against Wichita State which ended a three game losing streak. They carry that confidence over into today.

Presbyterian has lost eight straight games on the road this season. This includes Wednesday’s nineteen point loss against Radford. Another road loss could occur today against Longwood, but I expect this to be played within the number. Longwood is a team that thrives on getting to the free throw line, but does not shoot the ball well including ninth worst in the country from three point range at 28 percent. Tail Presbyterian.

The Milwaukee Panthers finally host a home game tonight after a three game road trip where they lost each game. That puts them below .500 as a team with a 7-9 record. Yet, they showed fight in their last outing against Green Bay where they erased a twenty point deficit to take the lead in the second half. They have also won the last four matchups over Northern Kentucky, including both last season by double digits. Lay the short number here or even tail on the money line.

Tarleton State is coming off playing two tough games against Utah Valley and California Baptist. The game against the Lancers was back and forth, in what ended up being a five point overtime win for Tarleton State. Expect Abiline Christian to use that to their advantage to build an early first half lead, and hold on within the number in the second. Take the points here.

The Saint Louis Billikens come into tonight’s matchup with just one loss on the season. In fact, they have scored over 100 points in three out of their last four games. This should be an issue for a VCU team that comes in on a five game winning streak, but is a very poor defensive team. The Billikens get the one big run to spark a cover.

The first conference road trip that features consecutive games can always be tough. For the MAAC that is devalued a bit as all the schools are in close proximity. Marist is coming of a Monday loss against Quinnipiac, but I expect a regroup spot today against St. Peter’s. Both games last season were played to the exact same score of 57-52. Take Marist to end St. Peter’s 3-0 conference start.

Out in Conference USA a fair sized spread lies with Liberty. The Flames have recovered from a losing three out of four games in late November/early December, and did play this past Sunday against Florida International. The overtime win I believe gives them a sense of urgency early on against a Kennesaw State team that has not played since December 21st against Alabama. Lay the number here.

Abilene Christian had two proper tune up games before WAC conference play against Arizona, and actually held in the first half against BYU when they were only down seven points at half. Tonight they will face a Utah Tech team they beat by fourteen and eight points last season. Since they joined the WAC in 2021 they are 7-0 against Utah Tech. That has the line slightly to high here, back the underdog in Utah Tech.

UTEP did not have the typical pre-holiday basketball schedule. They actually hosted their own tournament in which they split going 1-1. They ended a five game losing streak, by outscoring North Dakota State by fourteen points in the second half. The win was their first on the season against a division one school. Look for newfound confidence today facing a Louisiana Tech team that the market is devaluing despite a 7-0 home record.

A team that has been inconsistent is James Madison. Their struggles have been compounded on the road where they are 1-5 overall. Yet, before a big game you can get a team to focus on what lies ahead. After today’s matchup against Georgia Southern they will have a nine day layoff before facing Arkansas. Take the Dukes to cover and threaten Georgia Southern’s six game winning streak.

The HBCU Classic continues Friday with a pair of matchups. The second game will feature two teams that have just one win each against division one opponents in Norfolk State and Jackson State. The Tigers had great individual play from Daeshun Ruffin in yesterday’s loss to Hampton with 36 points. Expect a down shooting night for Ruffin in consecutive games, and for Norfolk State to get their second win over a division one school. Lay the number.

One of the yearly small school matchups I tend to gravitate towards is Tennessee Martin against Tennessee State. The Tigers won both matchups last season, including a one point win in overtime. Remarkably tonight will mark their first home game against a division one opponent all season. Look for UT Martin to get off to the faster start, and seek revenge for last year’s sweep.

One of the strangest matchups today is a Big West versus Horizon League clash. Cal Santa Barbara off a bad double digit loss against Utah Valley, will travel to face the Green Bay Phoenix. The Phoenix are playing their best basketball of the season with a 4-2 record over their last six games, and should be 5-1 but squandered a big lead against Robert Morris. Still, Santa Barbara is a couple notches better overall. After a competitive first ten to fifteen minutes, look for the Gauchos to have a pre-half flurry that they carry into the second half.

One of the toughest things to do is play early conference games in December, and then have a layoff. That is a factor tonight for Cal Poly that played two Big West conference games, and go into tonight on a ten day layoff. Montana State has just two wins against division one schools, and just played three days ago against Oregon State. Despite a poor road record of 1-6, look for their road heavy schedule to pay dividends tonight. Lay the small number or moneyline Montana State.

UT Rio Valley Grande is a team that lost the majority of their starting five from last season. It shows on the floor as they are one of the lowest scoring teams in division one, ranking 296th. They scored just fifty points in their last game against UT Arlington, and have lost four out of their last five games. Expect a close game as Lamar’s only Southland conference game they scored forty nine points against Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Take the points here with UT Rio.