4*USC +9

I think the Trojans match-up fairly well with the Zags. USC will be the toughest test for the undefeated juggernaut so far in the tourney. This should be a closer game than the line suggests so lets take the points. 

3*Syracuse +6.5

Houston has played one of the easiest schedules in all of College hoops. The Cougars haven't looked great in "big" games, and needed a huge rally midway thru the 2nd half against Rutgers. Syracuse is on a 6-0 ATS run, winning fives games outright. The Orange are 13-2 ATS as a neutral court underdog of 3.5 to 6.5 points since 1997. On the flip side, Houston is 2-10 ATS as a neutral court favorite of 3.5 to 6.5 points since 1997. My only concern is that the public is betting the Orange in a big way. Light play on the underdog!

4*Syracuse +4

The line has now inflated to where I think Syracuse is the right side. The 2-3 zone can be difficult to prepare for if you don't have a lot of time. Over the past five games, Syracuse has a +9.2 point differential while WV has a +2.6 point differential. The underdog is 4-1 ATS past five meetings. Take the points!

4*Florida Atlantic +4

The Florida Atlantic Owls are riding a four game winning streak, and they're winning their last five games by an average of 8.8 points while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. This lined opened at -2 and has steamed up to this current number. I like the underdog!

4*Michigan State +8.5

The Spartans return home after getting crushed 69-50 against Michigan on Thursday. The Wolverines clinched the conference title and have nothing to play for. Michigan State shot 36.5% from the field and missed all nine 3-point attempts. Tom Izzo should have his troops ready for this rematch. It's a big game for the home team if they want to secure a spot in the Big Dance.

5*Loyola Marymount +2

The Lions are 2-0 against SF this season and will be playing with extra rest. ULM is 7-1 when playing with three or more days of rest this season. San Francisco has played four more games than the Lions including a win over San Diego on Thursday. I think the wrong team is favored. Take the points!

4*Indiana +3.5

The most recent time the two teams played, Rutgers posted a 74-70 victory on Jan. 24, winning at Assembly Hall for the first time in program history. Rutgers' Myles Johnson bottled up Indiana's Trayce Jackson-Davis, holding the Hoosiers' top scorer to 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the field while forcing him into four turnovers. I like Indiana plus the points in the rematch.

4*Southern Illinois -1

The Salukis have been waiting for this game ever since the schedule came out. On Feb. 12th 2020, Valparaiso defeated Southern Illinois 55-38. The 38 points were a season and all-time school low. Valpo has a -6.3 point differential on the road while the Salukis have a +3.0 point differential at home. The Crusaders are 1-6 straight-up when playing with three days rest and 3-10 SU in road games. Southern Illinois is 28-14 SU when installed as a favorite over the past three seasons. I will swallow the 1 point with the home team in this spot. 

4*Duke +2 (+100)

I know that Virginia has not lost back-to-back games all season and on paper they should roll. Duke is playing much better and needs a signature win against a ranked opponent to have any chance at making the postseason. Athletically, the Blue Devils can match-up pretty well and are obviously well-coached. They have lost a lot of close games this season. I think they are on the improve. This seems like the trap line of the year so far. Take the hungry host!

4*Georgia +3.5

The Bulldogs are coming off a blowout loss allowing 115 points. Coach and team should learn from that non-effort. I think Georgia matches-up well against Missouri. Take the home dog!

5*Michigan State +5

The Spartans lost to Iowa less than two weeks and head coach Tom Izzo has been great at same-season revenge games in his tremendous career. Michigan State is trying to climb back into the NCAAB Tournament picture and a win today would go a long way in achieving that. The Spartans are 8-2 at home allowing 66.4 points per game. Iowa is 3-4 on the road allowing 80.4 points per game. Take the home dog!

4*George Tech +4

Virginia is coming off a lights out shooting performance from field and beyond the arch. Georgia Tech is averaging about five more points per game and should be pumped-up playing a ranked rival at home. Take the points!

3*Georgia Tech -3

Notre Dame is coming off two very impressive wins, shooting over 50% while covering the spread by a combined 45 points. Georgia Tech shot 32.4% from the field and just 66.7% from the free-throw stripe in losing at Louisville on Monday. The Fighting Irish are 7-34 straight-up as an underdog over the past three seasons. This is a great spot to back the home team!

4*Maryland -1

Purdue is ranked in the Top 25 for the first time this season. They are coming off a big win against Minnesota covering the spread by 16.5 points. Purdue does most of its damage on the road. Maryland should be pumped-up, playing a ranked opponent at home with extra rest. 

3*Buffalo -2

The Bulls are ranked first in total rebounds while the Bobcats are ranked 264th. Ohio is 9-22 SU on the road over the past three seasons and 0-3 SU after winning two in a row this year. Ohio is 0-3 SU off a win against a conference rival. I will swallow the two points with the home team.

4*Ohio State +5

The Buckeyes are coming off a really bad shooting performance from three-point land and the free throw line in a 67-65 loss vs. Purdue. Wisconsin is coming off its best defensive performance allowing just 52 points against Northwestern. Before that, they allowed 54 points in defeating Rutgers. This line seems inflated to me so I'm taking OSU plus the points.

4*LSU -1

Alabama is coming off a 31-point victory. LSU can match-up very well so I will swallow the 1-point with the home team.

4*Richmond -4

The Spiders are coming off a loss in which they shot just 25% for 3-point land at home. Two home games ago, they shot 28% from downtown. They have played a much tougher schedule than Rhode Island and the Spiders average 34% from beyond the stripe. I think they will shoot better against a Rams' defense allowing close to 80 points in road games. Take the Spiders!

5*Notre Dame +2

The Fighting Irish match-up pretty well with this FSU squad as the Seminoles won 85-84 earlier this year. Notre Dame is coming off a poor effort in which head coach Mike Brey called out his team for its performance. The Fighting Irish are 9-1 at home after a loss this season and rank #1 in Assist/Turnover ratio in the nation. Take the hungry host!

4*Toledo Rockets -2.5

The Rockets have the much better stats and they are playing at home. Ball State is a flawed team. Take the hungry host!

4*Oklahoma +2.5

Texas Tech is coming off an 87-57 victory against Iowa State, covering the spread by +25 points.The Sooners have lost three straight and played Texas Tech close in the first meeting. Huge game for Oklahoma. This game will be played in an NBA arena (OKC Thunder) and really like the home team in this spot!

5*Memphis +2.5

Huge game for Memphis as they gout ousted by Houston in last year's AAC tournament. The game was real close. Houston is coming off a 76-43 victory with an ATS margin of 22.5 points. They are in a real letdown spot. I know this game means more for the home team. Take the points!

5*St. John's +2.5

I have this game closer to pick em so let's take the generous 2.5 points. A Red Storm outright win would not shock me. Take the underdog!

4*SMU +2

5*Indiana U -1.5

The Hoosiers have dropped three straight and should be super focused at home in this spot. Purdue defeated Iowa 104-68 on Wednesday. The 36-point victory was the largest in school history over a ranked opponent. Purdue shot 63.1% from the field and 55.9% from 3-point land. Purdue covered the spread by +31.5 points. Classic fade bait. How much energy can Purdue put out considering they are 2-6 on the road this season. Also, the road team is just 3-3 SU when playing with two days of rest this season. The Hoosiers are 9-4 SU when playing with three or more days of rest. Take the hungry host!

5*DePaul +1

Xavier is coming off it's biggest win of their season against Seton Hall on Saturday shooting over 50%. DePaul has a talented team and really needs a victory. DePaul has played better than their conference record suggests. They rank high in rim protection and will be pumped-up at home. Like them here.

4*Pennsylvania +1.5

4*Northern Illinois -3.5

4*Indiana -2

5*Memphis Tigers -3.5

Memphis returns home off a 40-point loss shooting 28.6% and just 9% from downtown. All season lows. It's the worst loss by a ranked team against an unranked opponent since 1993. I would expect a huge bounce back effort against a division rival.

10*Arkansas State +2.5

This will be the first road game for South Alabama in 12 days. This is also a big revenge game for the Red Wolves as they committed 18 turnovers in a loss earlier this month. In that game, South Alabama shot 35 free throws (making 25) compared to just 13 attempts for Arkansas State. The Red Wolves should be super focused at home in a big revenge spot. The Red Wolves are 6-2 SU against winning teams this season and 13-5 ATS overall. They are undervalued in this spot. The Jaguars are 7-26 SU on the road over the past three seasons. The home team is 6-1 ATS past seven meetings. I'll take the home underdog!

4*Temple +2.5

4*Georgetown +4.5

4*LSU -2.5

4*Boston College +3.5

5*Santa Clara -5

Santa Clara returns home off a 31-point loss. This team is highly motivated to get back on track.

5*Virginia -5.5

I picked this team to win it all before the tourney started. Virginia yields only 55.4 points per game and holds opponents to 28.7 percent shooting from 3-point range. Auburn loves to run a lot but the Cavaliers have excelled against high-tempo teams. I have seen this before when #1 seeds barley escape in the Elite 8, and than go on to blowout their next foe in the Final 4. I think Virginia will play its best game against an Auburn team that will miss Chuma Okeke quite a bit. The Cavs are 25-11 ATS this season which represents beating "Las Vegas" expectations close to 70% of the time. Public is in love with the underdog. Not me. Lay the wood up to -7!

4*Lipscomb +2

5*Virginia -4

5*Tennessee -1

I have the Vols rated much higher than Purdue. I think Tennessee will wake up against a Purdue team who rode Carsen Edwards career-best 42 points and nine 3-pointers in ousting the defending national champs. Very emotional game. Tennessee is ranked 5th at protecting the rim with 5.4 blocks per game. They almost blew a 25-point lead against Iowa. I think they will be super focused in this one. Take the Vols!

5*Liberty +9

5*Buffalo U +4

4*Villanova +4

I'm taking the points with the much defense. Look for a more complete effort after barley winning against St. Mary's. The Wildcats are the defending the Champs and will be playing with a "chip" on its shoulders after being listed as the underdog. Take Villanova plus the points!

5*Murray State +5

The Racers have Ja Morant and FSU does not. He will be the second player picked in the next NBA draft. Take Murray State in this upset maker.

5*Wofford +5.5

Both teams shot the lights out in their opening round games. Kentucky is coming off a 35-point blowout win over Abilene Christian. This Wofford defense can force the Wildcats into some turnovers. Kentucky is ranked 144th in ball security while Wofford is ranked 24th. The Wildcats are allowing opponents to shoot 38.6% from the 3-point land in all neutral sites games. That's one of the worst marks of all the Top 2 seeds. The Terriers are ranked #2 in 3-point percentage in all of College basketball. I'll take the underdog in this spot!

5*Oregon +2

Oregon enters this game having won 8 games in a row. That's a key number. Underdogs in the first round having won 8 or more games in a row has been gold for quite some time. Murray State cashed in this role. I will take the Ducks in this one as they sport the better coach in my opinion. Oregon also has the advantage at point guard and this team is quite long on defense. I like Oregon to win outright.

5*Cal Irvine +5

The Anteaters will be playing in the Big Dance for the first time since 2014. They should pumped-up for sure. I love playing on underdogs in the first round if they have won 8 or more straight. This has been gold over the past decade. Murray State cashed for us yesterday in that same role. I actually think UC Irvine will give Kansas State all they can handle. The advanced metrics indicate that UC Irvine might win outright. Take the points!

5*Nevada -2

The Wolfpack are experienced, talented, athletic, versatile. On defense, they are long and athletic and can switch on any pick and roll. Nevada started 24-1, but went 5-3 to close the season, including two losses to San Diego State. It was the second straight season that the Aztecs sent the Wolfpack packing in the Mountain West Tourney semifinals. This team is well-coached under Eric Musselman. They have been tremendous after a loss the past two seasons. Last year, Nevada defeated Texas & Cincinnati before losing in the Sweet 16. Florida played a tough SEC schedule and went 9-9 in Conference play. Nevada went 15-3 against Conference foes. The advanced metrics suggests Nevada should be the favorites. Swallow the two points and take the Wolfpack.

5*Murray State +4

This Murray State team is for real. Ja Morant is a future NBA lottery selection. I love playing on underdogs in the first game of the tournament who have won 8 or more games in a row. This has been gold over the past decade. Take the Racers plus the generous 4 points. 

4*New Mexico State +6

Auburn relies on 3-point shooting, and will have to play at high-altitude for the first time all season after playing a late game on Sunday. They have also played one extra game this season. Tough. The Aggies are use to playing at altitude and they played at Colorado this season. Ignore the stats. This is a perfect situational play on the underdog.

4*St. Johns +2.5

5*St. Bonaventure -1

10*Davidson -2.5

This one seems quite simple to me. Davidson is better in all the key stats I look for, and have them rated 5 points better than St Louis right now. Lay the lumber!

4*Richmond +5.5

5*St. Johns -4.5

St. Johns has lost three in a row, including a loss at Depaul. I believe the Red Storm will get back on track playing at Madison Square Garden. St. Johns is 11-4 at home while Depaul is 3-8 on the road. Take St. Johns!

5*Temple -1

Central Florida is coming off its biggest win of the season defeating the Bearcats 58-55. Temple should be pumped-up for its last home game of the season. Temple wins this one!

4*Rice Owls -1.5

3*Texas +1

4*Penn State +2

4*Drake -4

5*St. John's +4.5

Taking the Red Storm here at home to give the Wildcats all they can handle. The Wildcats shot 42.5% from 3-point land in their last game. I don't see that high of a shooting percentage in this contest. Both teams recently played at Marquette. The Red Storm won by 1 point while the Wildcats lost by 1 point. St. John's lost by 5 points in the first meeting at Villanova and now they are getting 4.5 at home. Seems high to me. Take the hungry host!

4*Fresno State -1.5

4* Kansas State +3.5

4*Fresno State -1.5

4*Georgetown +5.5

4*Tulsa +4.5

4*Pennsylvania -5.5

5*Drake -4

The Bulldogs have an extra day of rest and will bring in the better offense and defense. Drake is 9-1 SU and 7-1-1 ATS at home this season. Illinois State is 1-6 SU and 5-5 ATS on the road this season. I think Drake is the more talented team and peeking at the right time. The Bulldogs are 7-1 ATS vs. winning teams this season and 28-14 ATS in that same role over the past three years. Take the Bulldogs in this one!

3*Texas State +2.5

3*Kent State +8.5

3*Baylor +3

4*Boston College +6.5

5*Vanderbilt -3.5

The Commodores are coming off a season-low 47 points scored @ Kentucky on 1/12/19. They should be super focused at home after losing three straight. South Carolina has scored 172 points in their past two games combined and now must play a road game. Tough. SC will be playing its 4th road game this season were they are 1-2 SU. Take the hungry host!

4*Richmond +2

4*Northern Illinois +4

3*Mercer -1.5

4*Pennsylvania +6

4*Villanova -5

4*Duke -3

4*Kansas State +5.5

4*Marshall +12.5

4*Purdue -3.5

5*College Charleston +9.5

I think Auburn is a tad overrated and they haven't traveled past the state of Texas this season. The College of Charleston has two terrific guards and the entire team is well-coached. I think this line is heading lower so get down ASAP. Take the underdog!

4*NC State +2.5

5*Rhode Island -2

Oklahoma hasn't played in eight days. Tough. I think this Rhode Island team is flying under the radar. They matchup quite well against the Sooners. Not sold on Oklahoma as they are just 13-13 SU and 8-18 ATS vs teams with a winning record. This line opened at Pick and still love it at the current number. Take the Rams!

4*Eastern Washington +5

4*Baylor +6

4*Vanderbilt +2.5

3* Iowa +1.5

4*Georgia Southern -1

4*Marshall +3

4*Illinois State +1.5

4*Houston U +2.5

4*OK State -2

5*TCU -3

TCU is very good at home and I believe they matchup quite well against the Red Raiders. Unranked home favorites against ranked teams cash at a very high rate this time of year. Take the Horned Frogs!

3*Old Dominion -2.5

4*Clemson +2

5*Wisconsin -2.5

Nebraska scored 98 points on 30-for-52 shooting against Iowa on Sunday. They now must play a road game against Wisconsin, who have this game circled. On 1/9/18, the Cornhuskers defeated the Badgers 63-59 because of a huge discrepancy in free throw attempts. The host should get more calls than Wisky after receiving just 10 tries in that 4-point loss. Nebraska is 0-5 ATS after scoring 90+ points of late. Take the hungry host!

4*Miami Ohio -1

3*St. Joe's PK