Alabama Crimson Tide.

No Limit.

Game 862.

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

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

Saint Mary’s.

Game 790.

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

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

Kentucky Wildcats.

Game 733

3:00 PM PST 6:00 PM EST.

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

Dartmouth Big Green.

Ivy League Powerhouse GOM play.

Game 867.

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

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

BYU.

Game 771.

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

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

UCLA.

Game 633.

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

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

Purdue.

BIG TEN BB.

Game 759.

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

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

Purdue Boilermakers.

BIG DANCE GOY.

Game 656.

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

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

North Carolina Tar Heels.

SWEET 16 GAME OF THE YEAR.

Game 636.

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

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

Duke Blue Devils.

Crusher play.

Game 760.

4:10 PM, PST/7:10 PM EST.

Facing Duke in Tournament play following the Blue Devils back-to-back defeats to end their regular season/conference tournament campaign, is going to prove to be fatal for Vermont. Yes, the Catamounts finished first in the American East. However, this is a team, which really doesn't step up out of their comfort zone very often. As a matter of fact, the only time this season they stepped up and out, would be in mid-December on the road at Virginia Tech when they got crushed, 73-51. Duke has no problems putting the hurt on opponents. As a matter fact, you can even say that they take enjoyment in it. I just don't see their opponent keeping pace with them on the scoreboard here. The Blue Devils average over 80.2 points per game, hit over 48% from the field, 38% from downtown… all this and they are great on the boards as well. Take Duke. Thank you.

Colorado State Rams

Tournament Round 1 Best Bet.

Game 731.

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

Guys, giving Colorado State points in a matchup like this I feel as a real mistake. I know there are just the seventh seed in the Mountain West, while Texas is the eighth seed in the Big 12. However, the Rams are surging. They have won five of their last six straight up, and they are playing their best basketball of the campaign so far. Texas has dropped five of their last 10 outings, straight up, and have only covered four of those 10. When asked to step up out of their comfort zone and out of conference play, this team meets all challenges. This is way too many points to give a very talented, very game Colorado State team. Take the Rams. Thank you.

Florida Gators.

Oddsmakers Mistake Play.

Game 825.

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

Guys, in all sincerity, I think this line should be closer to Pick ‘em. The oddsmakers are being very generous in making Alabama this much of a favorite. I know how good of a team they are. Not looking to ruffle any feathers here. But this team loses a little something when they travel. That's for sure. I mean they're just 3-7 away from home this season. When it comes to neutral site games, I believe they are a dismal 1-4 straight up on neutral site games this season. The Gators can keep pace offensively with the Crimson Tide, for sure. Plus, they are monsters on both end of the court on the glass. Take Florida. Thank you.

Seton Hall Pirates.

Game 751.

6:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST.

This is a very exciting matchup, in my opinion. The Big East’s third and fourth seeds square off here. The Blue Jays have had their way with the Pirates in this series. They've taken three in a row, both straight up and against the spread, which does include the only matchup this season in January. However, in that matchup, Creighton needed three overtimes to eke out a three-point victory. However, one of Seton Hall's best, Kadary Richmond had his worst night in memory, shooting just 8-for-32. Here is something to think about in this matchup; first of all, revenge. Next, ensuring a top four seed for the upcoming conference tournament. And lastly, the fact that they've won and covered three in a row, they come in here with some momentum. This is way too many points to give a very game and capable Pirate’s team. Take Seton Hall. Thank you.

Alabama Crimson Tide.

Game 753.

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

Sometimes records can be very misleading. For instance, Mississippi's overall, 19-8 mark. At first glance, it is very impressive. I mean they're just one victory away from achieving the goal of a 20-win regular season. However, this team was 13-0 in non-conference play. I've got to tell you, some of the teams they went up against, you would be hard-pressed to recognize. Lol. They've had some real pushovers. Their conference record is what intrigues me. They are just 6-8 against SEC opponents this season. Let's face, they've lost by 26 at the hands of Tennessee, 23 at Auburn, by 14 at home vs. Auburn, at South Carolina, at Kentucky, and here by 13 points versus South Carolina on Saturday. Oh, by the way, the Gamecocks were without their leading scorer. This team folds like a cheap suit when going up against solid conference opponents. And let's face it, Alabama is a solid opponent. This is a team that also owns a 19-8 overall record, which does include an amazing, 11-3 mark in SEC play. They have dominated ‘Ole Miss, winning and covering six consecutive meetings in this rivalry. Two of their three remaining regular season matchups after this game, happens to be against upper tier conference opponents in Tennessee and Florida. This is a big victory for the team. I don't see the Rebels slowing down, let alone stopping the Crimson Tides No. 1 scoring offense, which counts over 91.1 points per game. They're in trouble in the paint, from downtown, and on both end of courts on the boards here. Take Alabama. Thank you.

Pitt Panthers.

Game 631.

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

Granted, the Panthers fell to the Tigers back in the beginning of December, 79-70 at home. But that was very early on in the campaign, and their new additions were still trying to mesh and find their rhythm. But since that defeat, Pitt has rattled off a 13-6 overall record, which includes conference road victories at Duke, Georgia Tech, NC State, and Virginia. Predictions currently figure Clemson projected to make the field of 68 teams come Tournament time. However, although they own almost an identical record, Pitt is reported to be just outside of the Tournament field. They enter this matchup red-hot, winning and covering eight of their last 10 outings. They were out rebounded in the first meeting with Clemson, but have since significantly improved at both ends of the court on the boards. They are also one of the most frustrating defenses in the nation at defending the arc. Too many points to give them. Take the Panthers. Thank you.

Minnesota, Golden Gophers.

Smart Money Move.

Game 857.

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

 Yes, I am aware Nebraska is in astounding, 16-1 at home this season. But are you aware Minnesota is 23-3 against the spread this season? The Golden Gophers took down the Cornhuskers in their only meeting this season back in December at home, 76=65. If you're worried about them being on the road, don't be. Last March, they took down the Nebraska on their own court, 78-75. The Golden Gophers are money, riding a nine-game cover streak. I just think this is way too many points to give a team that matches up pretty evenly. Take Minnesota. Thank you.

UAB Blazers.

Oddsmakers Mistake.

Game, 853.

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

 Someone needs to explain to me why a team that is 9-4 in conference play and 17-9 overall is getting points against the team which is 4-9 in the conference and owns a 13-12 overall mark. It just doesn't make sense to me. I actually have the visitor a small favorite here. Yes, Tulane has an explosive offense. But their defense is getting shredded for over 80.1 points per game. Throw into the mix they are inferior at both ends of the court on the boards in this matchup, and it's just doesn't make sense to me to make UAB, an underdog. Take the Blazers. Thank you.

Oregon State Beavers.

Pac 12 GOM.

Game 767.

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

Of course, I am aware Oregon State has not won a game yet on the road at 0-5 this season. However, USC isn’t much better. First of all, the Trojans possess the conferences worst record at 2-8 Pac-12 action. They are also just 5-5 straight up at home this season. They enter today's contest on a six-game straight up slide and have failed to cover their last three consecutive outings. The Beavers have won the last two meetings with the Trojans SU, and have covered five consecutive matchups. This is just way too many points to give in a rivalry between two teams that play each other very closely, know each other very well, and dislike each other very much. Take Oregon State. Thank you.

Texas Longhorns.

Tournament Top Rated Play.

Game 646.

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

This is the matchup that being depleted will prove to be fatal for Xavier. The Musketeers are without a couple of key cogs in the wheel. Yes, I know they can score points. But let’s face it, they are going up against a team that scores just about as much as them. And an opponent that defensively can frustrate here immensely. Texas has the size, the speed, and the depth to take this game on their shoulders, control the tempo, and send Xavier home packing. The Longhorns also had better success playing out of their conference this season. They had early season wins over Gonzaga, Stanford and yes, even Creighton. They enter this matchup running red-hot, winning and covering every single postseason game thus far. I think both teams have very strong backcourts. But the difference in this matchup will be the Longhorns having the height and the muscle in the paint to dominate. Take Texas. Thank you.

Miami Hurricanes

No Limit Play.

Game 643.

4:15 PM, PST/7:15 PM EST.

My friends, Houston is a monster team. I’m not looking to take anything away from the Cougars. However, I think we can all agree, this team gets vastly overvalued by oddsmakers. Case in point, they have only covered five of the last 15 outings. This team possesses one of the best backwards in the nation. But for the first time in a long time, they do not have the best backcourt on the floor in a matchup. Wong and Miller are the driving force behind the Miami Hurricanes. Not only can the tandem score, they can rebound, they can steal, and let’s face it, they are amazingly unselfish, earning assists. I know Houston possesses one of the most frustrating defenses in college basketball. But Miami has a very complete offense and as I mentioned earlier, they are very unselfish. It is so hard to key on any one or two players on the floor. They are also vastly superior from the free throw line, which I believe will play a major factor in this game. One more thing folks. On a regular basis, playing in the ACC definitely benefits a team like Miami, which faces tougher opposition from day-to-day than does Houston in the AAC. By the way, the Cougars are just 1-6 ATS the last seven games played following an ATS win and 2-5 ATS the last seven games played versus teams with a winning record. The Hurricanes are 5-1 ATS the last six NCAA Tournament games played and 36-16-1 ATS the last 53 games played versus teams are the winning percentage of 1.600. Take Miami. Thank you.

Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Second Round GOY.

Game 852.

6:40 PM PST/9:40 PM EST

With a victory today, it will mark Gonzaga‘s eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament reaching the Sweet 16. The first month of the season was a little shaky for the Bulldogs. They lost games against Texas, Purdue, and Baylor. Then something happened. They got back on track to turn the season around and between December 5 and March 17, only dropped two outings. I am well aware two of their losses came against Big 12 teams. But as I mentioned a moment ago, those took place in November and the first two days of December. They are playing on another level at this moment. They are playing like the Gonzaga team that we are used to seeing at this point. On the other hand, TCU has only won 5 of the last 12 outings straight up. And have only covered three of those 12 contests. Let’s face it, they eked by Arizona State in the last round with a 72-70 victory. It’s one thing to have a decent defense. And the Horned Frogs do have a decent defense. However, facing the number one scoring offense in the nation is a whole different monster. Even if they could slow down the Bulldogs, a bit, I just don’t see them competing offensively on the scoreboard here. They do not possess the personal upfront to even battle in the paint in this matchup. And if the game moves to the outside, well, we all know how good the Bulldogs are from downtown. The Horn Frogs have failed to cover six consecutive games played following a straight up win. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have covered five consecutive outings following an ATS loss. Take Gonzaga. Thank you.

Duke Blue Devils.

Round Of 64 Top Play.

Game 782

4:10 PM, PST/7:10 PM

With all respect to the Golden Eagles, they do not belong on the same court as the Blue Devils. I know this team had a nice Cinderella story a few years ago in the Tourney. I also know they were 18-0 in the Summit League and are riding a 17-game win streak. But folks, who did they beat? They started off the campaign with an eight-point loss to Saint Mary’s. A week later got devoured by Houston, 83-45. And another week after that, they took a 10-point defeat on the road at Utah State. So, my friends, they stepped up in class three times and got beat all three times this season. Duke is a monster team with a monster roster. They are no strangers to the NCAA Tournament. They have intelligence, height, muscle, speed, and depth. They enter this matchup winning nine consecutive games, straight up against a much higher level of opposition than their counterpart is accustomed to facing. It’s true, Oral Roberts does have a 7‘5“ player on their roster. And he’s a damn good player at that. However, Duke has four players on their roster 7 foot or taller. They also don’t choke. A couple of the big names on the Golden Eagles are known to have choked when it comes to bigger games. Facing the Blue Devils, in the first round of the Big Dance is the biggest game this team will ever see. You can expect Duke to dominated both ends of the court and particularly on both the offensive and defensive glass. Oral Roberts has failed to cover four consecutive games against teams with a winning record, 12 of the last 15 games played versus teams is a winning percentage above .600, and seven of the last nine games played overall. Take the Blue Devils. Thank you.

Pitt Panthers.

Game 702.

6:10 PM PST/9:10 PM EST.

Many out there, including the Pitt Panthers themselves, didn’t think they would be playing in the First Four brackets. However, dropping four of the final seven games is the reason why. This is a very deep and talented squad with a very smart coach. Let’s not forget they play in a very good conference. As a matter fact, they finished tied for second place in conference play at 14-6, and with an overall record of 22-11. The first few weeks of the season were very difficult on the team as they were still trying to find their sea legs. Then they got into a groove and started winning. Moreover, they started taking down some very solid opposition. Please remember they play in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. And have they held their own. Offensively, they are a powerhouse. During the regular season, they were led by four double-digit scorers and a slew of solid rebounders. They have strength upfront, and quickness in the back court. Mississippi State is known for defense. They rank in the top-10 in the nation, in both points allowed and field-goal percentage allowed. However, (and there’s always a however), however, offensively, they are absolutely deplorable. There is no aspect of their offense that brings any hope to this team contending on the scoreboard with Pitt today. They have just one double-digit scorer in forward, Tolu Smith. He is only one of two solid, frontcourt, big men for this team. While they were loaded at the guard position, they just don’t have the talent up front to compete in this matchup. By the way, they have failed to cover four straight games. Not only that, but they have failed to cover five straight games played on neutral sites. Meanwhile, the Panthers have been money, covering 11 of the last 15 games played versus teams with a winning record and 21 of the last 28 games played overall. Take Pitt. Thank you.

Texas A&M Aggies.

Game 655.

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

Say what you want about the 4th ranked Alabama team, but when it comes to Texas A&M, the Aggies have had their number. The Crimson Tide has lost and failed to cover five consecutive meetings with the Aggies. This includes the only matchup this season, a little more than a week ago being defeated, 67-61. Texas A&M, since Christmas has been striding, going 19-3 straight up (this includes this post season). Their defense has stepped it up over recent months, and once again today will frustrate their opponent. They possess one of the only rebounding cores in this conference that could compete up front with Alabama. We can expect another physical matchup, which will certainly benefit Texas A&M, as they are significantly better from the free-throw line. The underdog has covered six of the last seven meetings in this rivalry. The Aggies have covered 20 of the last 27 games played versus teams with a winning percentage of .600, 26 of the last 35 games played following a straight up win, and 38 of the last 56 games played overall. Take Texas A&M. Thank you.

Kansas State Wildcats.

Game 756

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

Kansas State had the better record in Big 12 play. Kansas State had a better overall record. And Kansas State is higher-ranked. So, for the life of me, why are they an underdog here today? If I have ever seen a trap, this looks like it folks. The Wildcats finished the regular season campaign winning four the last five, both straight up and against the spread. They also took the most recent meeting with the Horned Frogs, approximately one month ago. Granted, both teams are 3-0 neutral sites this season. But TCU should not be favored here today my friends. They are just 3-6 straight up and 2-7 ATS the last nine outings. And I believe they are going to have a tough time today against the frustrating KSU defense. Kansas State is also money in the bank when playing solid opposition, covering eight of the last 11 versus teams with a winning percentage above .600. Meanwhile, Texas Christian has only covered one of the last six games played against teams with a winning percentage above .600. Make no mistake of it my friends, this is the game the Horned Frogs will severely miss the big man in the middle, Lampkin. The Wildcats are very strong upfront, will dominate the glass, and win this game. Take Kansas State. Thank you.

Maryland Terrapins.

Best Bet.

Game 767.

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

I am well aware of the fact the Terrapins are 10-0 at home in conference play but a dismal 1-8 on the road. They also know this stat as too. Coach, Kevin Willard also knows his team is one of seven Big Ten squads all tied for second place in the standings at 11-8. This game is a must win for Maryland. They took the first meeting in this matchup at home and come off a loss. They are an outstanding bounce-back team, not having suffered back-to-back defeats since early-January. They have also covered four of the last five following both, a SU and an ATS loss. For us bettors, they have turned it up recently, covering nine of the last 13 games played overall. Take the Terrapins. Thank you.  

Clemson Tigers.

Game 619.

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

Despite these two teams both tied for 3rd-place in the ACC at 13-5, only Clemson has a shot at least for a share of the conference’s top-spot. A couple of things have to go their way, but it is still mathematically possible. Both teams need this win as neither want to be in a situation falling out of the top-four in the standings for the upcoming ACC tournament. I am fully aware of the fact Virginia is 13-1 straight up at home this season, covering five of their last six as host. I really do feel that they may lose this game outright, let alone cover. This is a team struggling right now, losing their last two straight up and failing to cover the last four in a row. On the other hand, the Tigers have won and covered three of the last four and come off perhaps their best performance of the season. They stomped the Wolfpack on the road, 96-71 has a 5.5- point underdog a few nights ago. They come into this contest tonight with momentum. Granted the Cavaliers defense is very frustrating. But it just can’t compensate for their lack of office anymore. They face a Tigers “O” averaging over 75.7-points per game and just shy of 37% from beyond the arc and almost 80% from the line. Without question Clemson possesses the much stronger front court with Tyson, Hall, and Schieffelin. I look for the big men to dominate on the glass, allowing successful transition. The road team has covered six consecutive meetings in this rivalry. Clemson has covered 10 of the last 14 games played versus teams with the winning percentage above .600. Take the Tigers. Thank you.

Nevada Wolfpack.

Game 865.

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

Although a few things have to happen, Nevada still has a chance for a share of the top-spot in the Mountain West Conference. In my opinion, they are also on the right side of the cut line for the Big Dance. However, a loss here to the leagues bottom-dwelling Wyoming squad, might just put some doubts in the minds of the Selection Committee. The Wolfpack seems to have gotten stronger as the season progressed. Just over the last month or so, they have won six of the last seven, both straight up and against the spread. Sorry to say things didn’t go too well for the Cowboys this campaign. And it seems things have gone from bad to worse for this team, dropping and failing to cover the last three. During their current slide, the average margin of defeat is a whopping 9.6- points per game. Offensively, defensively, and on the boards, this team is significantly outclassed in tonight‘s matchup. They just do not Possess the talent to run with Nevada here. Whether it be in the back court where they are thin because guard, Reynolds has been out, Or upfront in the absence of forward, Ike, this team just cannot contend with guards, Lucas, and Blackshear, or big men, Baker and Williams. As I said earlier, they are significantly outclassed. The road team has covered 11 of the last 16 meetings. The Wolfpack are 5-1 ATS the last six games played versus teams with a winning percentage below .400, 4-1 ATS the last five games played following a straight up win, and 22-8-2 ATS the last 32 games played overall. Take Nevada. Thank you.

Providence Friars.

Game 657.

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

My friends, I’ve been doing this for over four decades, and I just can’t figure out why the Huskies are this much of a favorite over the Friars. I understand that Connecticut possesses a 13-2 record at home, while Providence owns a 4-5 away mark. However, that’s where the advantages for the home team here end. Providence has won and covered the last two meetings in this rivalry, which includes a 73-61 outright win and cover in the only meeting this season, at the beginning of January at home as a 5.5-point underdog. Since December, not only have the Friars won 15 of 19 contest straight up, they have also covered 15 of those 19 outings. They enter this matchup running hot, winning and covering the last several games. Granted, their overall road record isn’t the most impressive. But they have covered seven of the last nine as a visitor. There isn’t a lot of time left in the regular season, and the Friars, which are sitting in second place in the Big East, three-games behind the Golden Eagles, have a chance at taking the conference. To do so, they must continue to keep their foot on the gas. Since December 31, the Huskies are just 6-7 straight up. Going back a bit further, prior to Christmas, they have crushed bettors, going a mere 5-10 ATS. Granted UConn possesses a very good defense, but they just can’t compensate with their erratic offense. Particularly when facing solid adversaries. Both teams are excellent on the boards. Both team score about the same. But I do see a major advantage for the visitors here getting this many points. I think the odds makers are way off here, sports fans. By the way, Connecticut has covered just two of their last seven against teams with a winning percentage above .600. Take Providence. Thank you.

Pitt Panthers.

Game 707.

2 PM PST/5 PM EST.

The Panthers are enjoying their best league campaign since joining the conference a decade ago. They are tied for the top spot with the Cavaliers at 12-3 in league play. They enter today’s contest riding a six-game straight up win streak, covering their last five outings. As a matter fact, they have been a covering machine. Pitt has covered 12 of the last 13 on the road, nine of the last 11 versus teams with a winning record, and 20 of the last 26 overall. They’re starting-five consists of four double-digit scores. Trust me when I tell you they will light up Virginia Tech here. The Hokies have fallen. They no longer possess a defense that puts the fear into opponents offenses. This is a team with a lackluster offense that just isn’t good enough to compensate for their lack of defense. They are also crushing bettors, covering just four of the last 14 overall. The ‘dog has covered nine of the last 12 meetings. Take the Panthers. Thank you.

Maryland Terrapins.

Big Ten Game of the Month.

Game 750.

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

There is no question Purdue is a very good team. However, they’re starting to show cracks. They have dropped two of their last three, both straight up and against the spread at Indiana and at Northwestern. Now they go on the road and play a Maryland team which is owns a very respectable 13-1 record at home this season. Maryland has been a thorn in the side of Purdue when it comes to ATS. They have covered seven of the last eight meetings for us bettors. And if you look at the past several meetings, they have been decided by three, one, one, and three-points. They play this team very tough. As a matter fact, the Terrapins are playing some pretty good basketball themselves, winning five for the last six straight up and seven of the last 10 against the spread. Both teams are relatively healthy. And both teams match up well with one another. The big difference here is the fact the Boilermakers are starting to struggle and they are not the greatest road team. They’ve only covered one of their last five as a visitor. By the way folks, Maryland has covered 16 of the last 21 at home. And the underdog has covered four straight in this rivalry. Take the Terrapins. Thank you.

New Mexico Lobos.

HIGH ROLLER Game of the Month.

Game 891.

8:00 PM PST/11:00 PM EST.

The Lobos finished 2022 as the last remaining unbeaten team in college basketball. Since the New Year began, they slid a bit splitting out their last 10 games. They are a respectable 19-5 overall, which includes a 6-5 mark in the Mountain West Conference. This team needs to get back on track right now if they’re going to make a run at the Big Dance. And what better opponent to face to do just that than the Falcons. They have taken three consecutive meetings over their conference rival straight up, winning by an average mark of 7.6-points per game. This does include an 81-73 home victory approximately two weeks ago. Air Force is absolutely atrocious. They are just 3-9 in conference action, enroute to an overall, 12-13 record. The last several weeks, things have gone from bad to worse for the team as they are currently riding a six-game straight up a losing streak in which they have failed to cover four of those six outings. New Mexico will light up the scoreboard this evening behind their 16th ranked scoring offense, which averages over 81.8-points per game. By the way folks, a major mismatch here is their 11th ranked field goal shooting squad (which hits 49% from the floor), matching up against the nations 206th ranked field goal percentage defense. Oh, by the way guys, the Falcons average over 15.4-points per game less. And on both sides of the court, they are outclassed on the boards here as well. The road team has covered seven of the last eight meetings in this rivalry. Take the Lobos. Thank you.

Boise State.

Best Bet.

Game 883.

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

My friends, this line is way off here. This should be a Pick ‘em or at most, the Aztecs should just be maybe a one-point favorite only because they are at home. These are the two best teams in the Mountain West Conference, tied for the top-spot in the League at 8-2. Overall, the Broncos own a little bit better of a record at 18-5, while the Aztecs are 17-5. A season ago, Boise State took all three meetings over San Diego State straight up covering two of the three. Interestingly enough, all three meetings were settled by a combined seven-points. These two teams play each other very tough, my friends. Offensively, they are very similar. But defensively the Broncos are much stronger. They rank 12th in the nation yielding just 60.7-points per game. They’re also 24th in field-goal percentage allowed and fourth in three-point percentage allowed. Both teams have had a few days off to rest and prepare. However, BSU certainly comes in here hotter, winning eight of the last nine straight up and six of the last eight against the spread, while SDSU is just 4-2 their last six straight up and have only covered five of their last 10 against the number. The underdog has covered the last four meetings in this rivalry. The Broncos have covered 20 of their last 26 on the road. Meanwhile, the Aztecs have only covered four of the last 14 at home. Take Boise State. Thank you.

Kansas State Wildcats.

BIG 12 GOM.

Game 633.

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

The seventh ranked Wildcats will look to take their first regular-season sweep over the eighth ranked Jayhawks in years. They took the first meeting at home in overtime just two weeks ago, 83-82. Granted, Kansas is a pretty darn good home team. But this year‘s Jayhawks squad has started to struggle. They’ve lost three of their last four overall straight up, and five of their last six overall against the spread. As far as us bettors are concerned, K State has been money, covering eight of their last nine contests coming into tonight’s matchup. This is way too many points to give a team that has covered 35 of their last 52 on the road, 10 of their last 11 against teams with a winning record, and their last four straight overall. Take the Wildcats. Thank you.

Xavier Musketeers.

GOM.

Game 613.

9:15 AM PST/12:15 PM EST.

Guys, the line is way off here as it should be closer to a pick ‘em or even maybe a -1 fav for Xavier. Atop the Big East and the No. 13 team in the nation, the Musketeers are confident, knowing they took down the Blue Jays earlier this month, 90-87, extending their dominance over their Conference rival for the fourth consecutive meeting, and for our purposes, four Ats covers in the last five matchups. Xavier devoured Creighton on the boards, 40-29. This time around, they will once again own the glass, possessing the bigger, stringer front court. Overall, they are healthier and deeper. The Musketeers have covered four of their last five on the road, 13 of their last 16 versus teams with a winning record, and six of their last eight overall. Take Xavier. Thank you.

Duke.

Game 704.

5:45 pm pst

Sports fans, the drama surrounding this Final Four matchup is unrivaled. North Carolina and Duke have been going out each other for as far back as I can remember. Obviously, there’s the story surrounding Coach Mike Krzyzewski retiring after this Tournament. And obviously, the team wants to win for him. There’s also all the brouhaha surrounding the fact that Duke took the first meeting this season back in February by 20-points and then in Coach K’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium North Carolina shredded them by 13-points. Hubert Davis is a good coach. He’s done a lot with his Tar Heels team this season. But he is certainly outmanned and outclassed here. It goes without saying he doesn’t have anywhere near the coaching experience as his counterpart. Nor does he have his big game intelligence or savvy. The Blue Devils score more offensively and allow less defensively. They’re also one the most accurate teams in the country both from beyond the arc and overall, from the floor. Let’s not forget the fact that they are one of the best in the nation on the offensive boards. North Carolina can score and is accurate from downtown as well. And also grab a lot of offensive rebounds. But the mismatch you’re going to see is between the Duke offense and the North Carolina defense. There is a huge disparity in ability, talent, and statistics. The Blue Devils can go to the well for fresh legs throughout the game as they are a little bit deeper and have that monster frontcourt with four big men in the starting lineup. The Tar Heels are 8-18-1 against spread the last 27 neutral side games played as underdog and 2-6 against spread eight NCAA Tournament games played as an underdog. Take Duke. Thank you.

Wildcats, head coach, Jay Wright and his boys have won two of the last five tournaments. They come in here rolling today, winning six in a row. Villanova also has National Player of the Year candidate, Collin Gillespie. If this team was going to have a letdown, it would’ve happened after they won the Big East tournament. But it did not as they shellacked Delaware, 80-60 in the first round. They are no strangers to Ohio State. These two met up in November, 2019 when the Buckeyes crushed the Wildcats, 76-51. Gillespie was on that team and remembers that embarrassing loss quite well. Look for him to come out and lead the more talented bunch, get their vengeance, and move onto the Sweet 16. Ohio State is 2-10 against the spread the last 12 NCAA Tournament games. Villanova is 17-5 against the spread the last 22 NCAA Tournament games. Take the Wildcats. Thank you.

Arkansas.

BEST BET PLAY.

Game 722.

6:20 pm pst/9:20 pm est.

My friends, every March we hear sports commentators chatting about Cinderella teams that have a shot go far in the Tournament. This year we’re hearing that static about Vermont. However, the Catamounts are going to be a one-and-done memory as they have a snowballs chance in hell at surviving today’s match up with the Razorbacks. Yes, I know they went through the American East Conference like a tornado. But the AEC is no way near to the SEC. Remember that Arkansas went 13-5 in conference play this season and have taken down some big-name teams like LSU three times, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Auburn, Missouri, Florida, and Kentucky. Vermont stepped up out of their class dropping games, losing and not even covering against the likes of Maryland and Providence. As a matter fact those two matchups got pretty darn ugly falling in both by double-digits. They also don’t have a big man that can even slow down forward, Jaylin Williams. The Catamounts are 1-4 against the spread their last five games played as an underdog and 0-4 against the spread their last four games played on neutral sites. The Razorbacks are 8-2-1 against the spread their last 11 games played as a favorite and 14-3-1 against the spread their last 14 games played overall. Take Arkansas. Thank you.

NIT FIRST ROUND GAME OF THE YEAR.

Colorado Buffaloes.

Game 684.

Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

8:00 pm pst/11:00 pm est.

These two teams enter the first round of the NIT tournament with very different mindsets. St. Bonaventure finished their regular season very strong winning eight of their final nine outings. However, on Friday in the Atlantic 10 quarterfinals, Kyle Lofton missed two free throws in the final seconds to give the team a heartbreaking, 57-56 loss to Saint Louis. Most teams will have a hard time bouncing back from a defeat like that. And this team has showed that they aren’t one of them. Colorado won seven of their last eight regular season contests, then dominated Oregon in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament, only to lose a tough contest to top-seeded Arizona. They do have the talent and the coaching to bounce back and use that loss to further motivate them here. The Bonnies have faced and beaten a few solid squads. However, this team seems to stumble when they step up in class in their own conference. And when stepping up outside the conference, well they got shredded in both situations this season against the Huskies (10-point loss) and the Hokies (37-point loss). With a frontcourt of three strong big men led by forward, Jabari Walker, who happens to be the best player on the floor, Colorado will dominate both inside and on the boards here. St. Bonnie is 1-8 against spread their last nine road games played versus teams with a winning home record, 1-5 against the spread their last six games played as an underdog, and 4-10 against the spread their last 14 games played following an ATS loss. Take Colorado. Thank you.

Colorado.

PAC-12 GOM.

Game 737.

6:30 pm pst/9:30 pm est.

Colorado is one of the hottest teams in the nation let alone the conference, winning six of their last seven straight up and five of those seven against this spread. With a win here the Buffaloes can clinch the number four seed and a first-round bye in the upcoming tournament. They took the first meeting approximately three weeks ago at home 81-76. Meanwhile Utah has dropped 14 of their last 17 straight up which includes their last two. They have been absolute point spread poison, dropping their last three and overall, 15 of the last 24. Outside of the Beavers, the Utes are the worst team in the conference and aren’t playing for anything here. If they had any pride or fight in them, they would’ve at least shown up over the month which they have not. Look for the trio of forwards, Walker, Battey, and DaSilva (35.5 PPG & 17.3 RPG combined) to once again dominant in the paint as they did in the first meeting. Utah is 1-4 against the spread the last five games played as a favorite. Take Colorado. Thank you.

UNC.

ACC GOM.

Game 623.

11:00 am pst/2:00 pm est.

This may be an in-state rivalry but North Carolina is looking to move back into a good spot for postseason positioning. Coming off a home loss last Wednesday to Pittsburgh, they have now rattled off two consecutive wins at Virginia Tech and in their own house against Louisville. The Tar Heels still have a chance at the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top-spot and big win here will get them closer to that goal. They face a Wolfpack team that has just one win and cover over the last eight outings and are a dismal, 1-8 in conference home games this season. In the earlier meeting back at the end of January, North Carolina shredded NC State, 100-80 at home. That gave them seven wins and covers in the last eight meetings with their conference rival. They have just too much offensive power for the lackluster offense of the Wolfpack. Look for the Tar Heels to make a statement to the rest of the conference here. NC state is 1-5 against the spread their last six games played as underdog, 0-4 against the spread the last four games played against teams with a winning record, and 1-5 against the spread the last six games played following a straight up loss. Take North Carolina. Thank you.

SEC GAME OF THE WEEK.

Arkansas Razorbacks.

Game 631.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

4:00 pm pst/7:00 pm est.

If there was a game on the card today that certainly has an off-line, this game is it. Arkansas should be a favorite of at least two baskets. The Razorbacks have very quietly risen to be the number three team in the Southeastern Conference at 10-4 in league play. Overall, they sport a 21-6 record. And once again very quietly, they are just about the hottest team in the nation winning both 11 of their last 12 straight up and more importantly for us, against the spread. Florida is struggling for sure, splitting out their last eight games going 4-4 straight up and only covering once since the end of January, riding a 1-5 ATS run. This is a team that was once feared from downtown but have now sunk to hitting just about 30% beyond the arc. This doesn’t bode well in this matchup because they just don’t have the inside strength to match with Arkansas’ powerful lineup, which accounts are over 77.3 PPG. The Razorbacks also counter defensively with a very stingy stop-unit yielding just 40.6% from the floor. Offensively, when your number four scorer, Jaylin Williams is named the SEC Co-Player of the Week, that just shows you how potent your starting lineup really is. After several years of the Gators dominating this series, the tide is turning for sure. The Razorbacks took the most-recent meeting about a season ago, 75-64 and are even better this season. Arkansas is 6-0 ATS the last six games played as a favorite, 5-0 ATS the last five games played on the road, and 5-0 ATS the last five games played vs. teams with a winning percentage over .600. Take the Razorbacks. Thank you.

Boise State.

MWC GAME OF THE MONTH.

Game 654.

6:00 pm pst.

Boise State has dominated Wyoming, winning nine of the last 10 meetings, including seven straight. They won and covered both of last season’s matchups. Kudos to the Cowboys for winning five in a row. But the Broncos are riding a 12-game hot streak. Yes, Wyoming can score points. But BSU counters their offense with the nation’s 8th ranked scoring defense. I mean come on; Wyoming was an underdog against Grand Canyon. In their two losses to Arizona and Stanford they could only muster 65 and 63 points. Well, the Boise State defense is just as good. Particularly on the boards which will allow a huge edge in transition. The Broncos are 4-0 ATS the last four vs. teams with a winning percentage over .600, 5-1 ATS the last six following an ATS win, and 8-2 ATS the last 10 overall. Take Boise State. Thank you.  

Davidson.

A10 GOM.

Game 893.

6:00 pm pst.

Both teams are playing well and Richmond has won the last three meetings SU and the last four ATS. But Davidson is on a 12-game SU win streak and is a remarkable, 11-3 ATS on the campaign. The Wildcats, behind four double-digit scorers significantly outclass the Spiders with a huge mismatch. Richmond will not be able to even slow down the offensive juggernaut of Davidson. The Spiders are on an 0-3 ATS slide, are just 1-5 ATS their last five vs. teams with a winning record and 1-5 ATS their last six games played at home. Take the Wildcats. Thank you.

Minnesota.

NCAAB GOM.

Game 603.

4:00 pm pst.

Don’t look now but the Golden Gophers are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS. They possess a monster defense allowing just 59.6 PPG. Minny is just a 3-pt’er away from covering all five contests and going back a bit to last March, seven straight. With four double-digit scorers and a frustrating “D”, they just simply outgun Pitt here. The Panthers have dropped four games this season, all by double-digits (Citadel, West Virginia, Vanderbilt, UMBC). Pitt is 1-5 ATS the last six games played at home and 2-6 ATS the last eight games played overall. Take the Golden Gophers. Thank you.

Houston.

Game 801.

1:10 pm pst.

Yes, Baylor is a good team that plays in a very competitive conference. However, Houston has the size, strength, speed, and depth to not just compete, but to win here. They own the nations No. 2 defense in points allowed, No.1 in FG%, and No. 4 in 3-point %. The Cougars also outclass the Bears on both the “O” and “D” boards here. Houston is 11-2 ATS L13 as a ‘dog, 21-8 ATS L29 vs. teams with a winning percentage over .600, and 14-6 ATS L20 overall. Take the Cougars. Thank you.

Gonzaga.

OMP.

Game 658.

4:15 pm pst.

Both teams have won and covered their last three. But, Gonzaga, which is by far the superior team in every aspect here, will not let their foot off the gas. The Bulldogs have the front court to overpower the Trojans offense and frustrate their defense. Gonzaga is 6-1 ATS L7 on neutral sites and 4-1 ATS L5 NCAA Tournament games. Take the Bulldogs. Thank you.

Houston.

SWEET 16 BB.

Game 648.

6:55 pm pst.

The clock strikes midnight for Syracuse here. They have fallen each time they face a top-tier defense this season. And they don’t get any better than the swarming and frustrating ‘D” of Houston. The Orange will also be overmatched on both sides of the court on the boards here as the Cougars rank 5th offensively and 16th defensively on the glass. Look for Quentin Grimes to star in his own highlight reel here. Houston is 20-7 ATS L27 vs. teams with a winning percentage over .600, 7-2 ATS L9 on neutral sites, and 13-5 ATS L18 overall. Take the Cougars. Thank you.

Georgetown.

HR.

Game 619.

3:30 pm pst.

Georgetown is money, covering seven of their last nine outings and are a very dangerous team here as they have nothing to lose. No one gave them a shot in this Tourney. The pressure is all on Creighton, which played a tiring, barnburner with UConn yesterday. Fatigue may be a factor come the 2nd half. The Hoyas are 5-1 ATS L6 as an underdog and 8-3 ATS L11 vs. teams with a SU winning record. Take Georgetown. Thank you.