40* NOTRE DAME/MIAMI NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Miami -2.5)

I like the value here with the Hurricanes as a small home favorite against the Irish. Miami is a team that I feel there's value with right now. The Hurricanes come in off an ugly 57-83 loss at Syracuse and are now just 6-7 overall and 2-6 in ACC play. What gets overlooked is this team has really battled injuries and have also played a tough schedule.

Each of their last 6 losses have come against teams in the Top 100 at KenPom. They have been much better at home in ACC play when not completely depleted. In their last 3 homes games they lost by 1 to Clemson, 2 to UNC and beat Louisville by 6. Notre Dame has been equally bad in this season, as they have lost 4 of 5, but they are coming off a 10-point win against BC, which I feel is playing into the value here with Miami. Give me the Hurricanes -2.5! 

40* LSU/KENTUCKY NCAAB SHARP STAKE (LSU +1.5) 

I will gladly take LSU as a small road dog against Kentucky. If it wasn't for the brand name that the Wildcats have, there's no way they would be favored in this matchup. Kentucky just isn't very good. The Wildcats have lost 3 straight and are a mere 3-8 over their last 11 games. 

This is also a brutal spot for Kentucky coming off a crushing 62-63 loss at Georgia, where the Bulldogs hit the game-winning shot with a second to play. You might argue that LSU is also in a bad spot coming off an ugly 75-105 blowout loss at home to Alabama, but it's actually much easier to bounce back from a blowout loss than it is a close defeat, especially one like Kentucky had where they had no business losing. Give me LSU +1.5! 

50* OHIO ST/WISCONSIN NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Wisconsin -4.5) 

I absolutely love the value here with the Badgers as a mere 4.5-point home favorite against Ohio State. This is simply too good a price to pass up with Wisconsin at the Kohl Center. I don't care who the opponent is, I would lay 4.5 with the Badgers at home in conference. Wisconsin is 10-1 at home this season where they are winning by an average of 17.2 ppg. All 4 of their Big Ten home wins have come by at least 7 points. 

I get Ohio State has been playing really well here of late, but they Buckeyes did just have their 3-game winning streak snapped in a crushing 65-67 loss at home to Purdue. A game they led by double-digits and have to be absolutely sick about losing. The Buckeyes made 14 3-pointers against Purdue, but were to reliant on the outside shot shooting 35 3-pointers to just 18 2-pointers. That just won't work against Wisconsin. Give me the Badgers -4.5! 

40* CLEMSON/FLORIDA ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Clemson +6.5)

I really like the value here with Clemson as a pretty decently sized road dog against the Seminoles. It's been a rough last two games for the Tigers. They went into their game at home against Virginia sitting at 9-1 and got absolutely worked by the Cavaliers 85-50. They let that loss turn into two as they laid an egg a few days later at Georgia Tech, falling 65-83. 

My money is on Clemson to fire back here with one of their best showings of the season and this is a team we know they can hang with. The Tigers already beat FSU 77-67 at home back on Dec. 29th. I get the Seminoles have been playing well and will be out for revenge, but both of those factors have been accounted for with this line. Give me Clemson +6.5! 

40* MARSHALL/FIU NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Marshall -8) 

I know this might seem like a big number, but I got the Thundering Herd winning this game by double-digits rather easily. This is a huge game for Marshall, who after going 6-1 in non-conference has started out 1-3 in C-USA play. 

Thing is they have played 2 of the best teams in La Tech and WKU each twice and 3 of the 4 were on the road. All 3 losses were by 8 or fewer points. FIU is 2-4 in C-USA, but have played the 12th easiest conference schedule to date. FIU doesn't have the offensive fire-power or defensive presence to keep pace with Marshall. Give me the Thundering Herd -8! 

40* COLO ST/UTAH ST NCAAB LATE NIGHT BAILOUT (Colorado St +8) 

I like the value here with Colorado State as a near double-digit dog in Thursday's rematch against Utah State. These two teams played on Tuesday and the Aggies rolled to a 83-64 home win. It was just a bad night shooting for the Rams, who shot just 33% from deep. Utah State on the other hand was on fire, shooting 53% from behind the 3-point line. 

Even after that game the Rams still are the much better 3-point shooting team, as they are hitting 39% as a team on the season. Colorado State is also suffered just 3 losses all season and are one of the more well coached teams in the MWC. Not only do I think the Rams shoot better in the rematch, but they are going to be the more motivated team having getting blown out in that first meeting. Give me Colorado State +8! 

40* WICHITA ST/MEMPHIS NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Memphis -2.5) 

I think this is the perfect price and spot to roll the dice with Memphis at home against the Shockers. The Tigers come into this game a mere 6-5, but could easily be sitting with a much better record, as all but one of their defeats have come by single digits. They also only have lost once on their home floor. 

The value with Memphis in this one stems from the fact that they come in having failed to cover each of their last 7 games. I just think you have to put that aside given the small number we are dealing with.

I also like the matchup. The Tigers are 3rd in the AAC in both offensive rebound rate and free throw rate. Two things Wichita State has struggled with. The Shockers are also built defensively to take away the 3-point shot and Memphis is a team that wants to attack you inside. Give me the Tigers -2.5! 

50* KENTUCKY/GEORGIA NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Kentucky -3)

I'll lay the 3-points here with Kentucky on the road against the Bulldogs. It's been a rough go for the Wildcats this year, but they have shown some signs of getting this thing turned around. They have lost their last two games, but one was at home against an Alabama team that is looking elite and the other was on the road against Auburn. 

Both of those were bad matchups, as both of those teams are good at defending the 3-point shot, which is what Kentucky's offense relies a lot on. Georgia is one of the worst defensive teams in the SEC. They rank 13th in defensive efficiency and 13th in 3P% defense. They also are one of the worst teams at allowing offensive rebounds and Kentucky is No. 3 in the SEC in offensive rebound rate (one of the few things they do well). I just think this is a get right game for the Wildcats. Give me Kentucky -3! 

40* VCU/ST BONAVENTURE NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (St Bonaventure -2.5) 

I'm going to take the St. Bonaventure Bonnies -2.5 at home against the VCU Rams. I've been on St. Bonaventure quite a bit this season and will gladly lay the short number at home with them against VCU. 

The Bonnies returned all 5 starters from a 19-win team that finished T-5th in really good A-10 conference last year. They come into this game 6-1 overall with a 4-1 mark in conference play. They have won 4 straight conference games since losing their opener on the road to Rhode Island. That includes a big road win at Richmond. 

VCU comes in having won 8 of their last 9, but it's really been a favorable stretch here with their schedule. Out of those 9 opponents during this hot streak, they have played just 1 team that's currently ranked in the Top 100 at KenPom and that was Rhode Island, who beat them on their home floor 83-68. The only other team they played in the Top 150 during this stretch was George Mason and they barely pulled out a 66-61 win against the Patriots. 

I'm not saying the Rams aren't a quality team, I just think they are a little bit overvalued in this spot. I think this line should be closer to 6 than 3. VCU is a team that causes a lot of turnovers, but also turns it over a lot. St Bonaventure is 3rd in the A-10 in both offensive and defensive TO%, so look for the Bonnies to win the turnover battle. 

St Bonaventure should also have a massive edge on the glass in this game. They are No.1 in the A-10 in offensive rebound rate and VCU is 13th in giving up extra possessions via the offensive rebound. The Rams also tend to foul a lot, ranking 13th in opponents free throw rate and the Bonnies are 4th in the A-10 as a team with a 71.1% free throw percentage. Give me St. Bonaventure -2.5! 

50* MIAMI/SYRACUSE NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Syracuse -4) 

I absolutely love this spot and price with the Orange at home against the Hurricanes. This is huge buy low sell high situation, as you have Syracuse coming into this game off an ugly 76-96 loss at Pittsburgh, while Miami is off a huge 78-72 upset win at Louisville. 

Great win for the Hurricanes, but there's a couple of factors working against Miami in this one. The Hurricanes are still missing several key players and that will be felt on just 2 days of rest. Miami is also a team that relies heavily on their ability to drive to score and that just isn't a great recipe for success against the Syracuse zone. Orange are also undefeated on their home floor this season and we know they are showing up with a big effort here. Give me Syracuse -4! 

40* MARYLAND/MICHIGAN NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Michigan -10) 

I got no problem laying 10 points at home with Michigan against the Terps. The Wolverines were bound to suffer a loss at some point and it came this past Saturday at Minnesota. Michigan fell 57-75 in by far their worst performance of the season. It just looked like the Wolverines weren't ready to play. 

I don't see them letting that sluggish performance carry over into this game against a Maryland team they should dominate. The Terps just don't have the size inside to compete with top tier teams like Michigan. Look for standout freshman Hunter Dickinson to have a huge game, while the Wolverines defense keeps a suspect Maryland offense in check. Give me Michigan -10! 

40* PURDUE/OHIO ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Ohio State -4.5) 

I will lay the 4.5-points at home with Ohio State against Purdue. Both teams come in having won 3 straight, but I've been more impressed with the Buckeyes not just during this recent stretch but over the course of the entire season. This one is also going to mean a little extra for Ohio State, as they will be out to revenge a 60-67 setback at Purdue back on Dec. 16th. 

While Purdue has won their last 2 road games, they were 0-4 in true road games prior. The Buckeyes are a perfect 7-0 on their home floor this season. That includes a perfect 3-0 record in Big Ten play and all 3 of those home wins in conference play have come by at least 10 points. Ohio State is also a strong 10-1 ATS last 11 at home after a cover and 6-0 ATS last 6 at home after back-to-back covers. Give me the Buckeyes -4.5! 

50* W KENTUCKY/MARSHALL NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Marshall -2.5)

I will gladly lay the 2.5-points at home with Marshall as they take on Western Kentucky for the second time in 3 days. This time at their home court after losing 73-81 on the Hilltoppers home court Friday. Marshall only lost by 8 in that game, despite shooting just 42.3% from the field and getting outscored by 17 (19-2) at the free throw line. Look for a few more shots to fall at home, as well as a few more trips and makes at the charity line. That combined with the Herd simply being the more motivated team having lost the first matchup and it sets up for a very favorable spot and price here. Give me Marshall -2.5! 

40* VIRGINIA/CLEMSON NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Clemson +2.5) 

I think we are getting big time value here with the Tigers as a small home dog against Virginia. Clemson has been one of the biggest surprises this year and this is their chance to really show everyone they are for real. Even though they already have by racking up wins over Purdue, Alabama and Florida State. 

Virginia is a really good team, but the schedule so far this year has been a bit of a joke outside of their game against Gonzaga. One they got absolutely destroyed 98-75 on a neutral court. The only other team they have faced that's ranked in the Top 80 at KenPom is San Francisco and they lost them to 60-61. They are 4-0 in ACC play, but have played the easiest conference schedule of any team to this point. Clemson is 3-1 in league play and played the 5th hardest schedule. Give me the Tigers +2.5! 

50* MIZZU/TEXAS A&M NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Missouri -4.5)

I got no problem laying the 4.5 points on the road with Missouri as they visit Texas A&M on Saturday. The Tigers have to be itching to get back on the court, as they have not played a game since a huge 2nd half collapse in a 63-78 loss at Mississippi State. Missouri led in that game by 14 in the 2nd half and somehow lost by 15. The Tigers only other loss was to Tennessee. 

The Aggies come in off a 56-55 win at Mississippi State, but that's nothing to get excited about. That's now 3 straight games where Texas A&M has failed to eclipse 60 points (have scored 60 or fewer in 4 of their 5 SEC games). It could get real ugly here for the Aggies offense against a hungry and talented Missouri defense. Give me the Tigers -4.5! 

50* NCAAB NORTHEAST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH (Bryant -4.5) 

I absolutely love this spot for Bryant in Friday's rematch against St. Francis PA. These two played last night and the Red Flash pulled off the big upset beating the Bulldogs 89-82 as a 7.5-point dog. That result has Bryant now laying a full 3-points fewer in a game they are going to be much more motivated to win. Also, the Bulldogs were ice cold from 3 and St Francis had one of their better shooting performances from outside. Look for regression both ways and for Bryant to win this one going away. Give me the Bulldogs -4.5! 

40* PURDUE/INDIANA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Indiana -3)

I will lay the 3-points with Indiana at home against the Boilermakers. I know the Hoosiers are still going to be without Armaan Franklin, but this is just too good a price to pass up on Indiana at home. The Boilermakers were able to pull off an upset win at Michigan State in their last game, but they also trailed 16-33 in the 2nd half of that game before a crazy run to win 55-54. 

Purdue just isn't built to win on the road consistently in Big Ten play. They had lost each of their previous 3 games on the road. They just aren't a good offensive team. They rank 12th in the conference in offensive efficiency and 11th in effective FG%. They are also dead last in the Big Ten in TO% and second to last in free throw rate. When you can't get easy looks, give the other team easy points off turnovers and don't get to the foul line, it's hard to win on the road. Give me Indiana -3! 

50* STANFORD/UTAH NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Stanford -1) 

I will gladly lay the 1-point on the road with the Cardinal against the Utes. I don't know why the books keep giving this Utah team respect, but it hasn't worked out well for them. The Utes have failed to cover each of their last 3 games and are just 2-6 ATS over their last 8 games. 

Utah is 4-5 overall with 3 of those 4 wins coming against teams who are ranked 258th or worse at KenPom. The other win was against Washington, who is ranked 141st, but are also 1-9 on the season. 

Utah's one of the worst teams in the Pac-12 offensively. They are 4th in 2P% offense, but 11th in 3P% offense. That plays right into the strength of this Stanford defense. The Cardinal are 2nd in the Pac-12 in 2p% defense compared to just 11th in 3P% defense. Stanford on the other hand is one of the best offensive teams in the league and simply have too much fire-power to not take them at basically a pick'em here. Give me the Cardinal -1! 

50* AUBURN/GEORGIA NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Georgia +1) 

I love the value here with the Bulldogs at basically a pick'em at home against Auburn. We are getting exceptional value with Georgia in this one because of the fact that they have lost 3 straight and most recently were annihilated by 30 at Arkansas on Saturday. 

What will go unnoticed by those that aren't die-hard Bulldogs fans is that Georgia's highly anticipated freshman guard, K.D. Johnson will be making his season debut. Johnson was one of the top rated players coming out of Georgia. He can do it all and really gives the Bulldogs an outside threat they are missing. 

Head coach Tom Crean had this to say about Johnson. “We really missed having another pure guard. I think it’s obvious. When you’re recruiting him, you’re recruiting him to play. There was no doubt he’s going to be a factor for our team.” He also added this, "He's as competitive as anybody that’s on the team. He’s strong, he has a tremendous mindset defensively, he moves the ball, he moves without it, he can shoot. He just has a contagious confidence—I’ll put it that way.”

There's also the opponent to factor in. Auburn isn't very good. The Tigers are 0-4 in SEC play and have already lost 3 games on the road to teams I think are on par with Georgia in UCF, Texas A&M and Ole Miss. Give me the Bulldogs +1! 

40* NORTHWESTERN/OHIO ST NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (Northwestern +8.5) 

Northwestern burned me in their last game, as I took them +8 at home against Illinois and was counting my money at the half with the Wildcats up by 15. That will teach me to count my eggs before they have hatched, as Northwestern was outscored 53-13 in the 2nd half and ended up losing by 25. 

That would be enough for most people to not want anything to do with a team, but I'm out to get that money with Northwestern and will take them at +8.5 at Ohio State tonight. A team they already beat this season at home 71-70. 

I really like the fact that the Wildcats have been off since last Thursday. That's more then enough time to put that ugly 2nd half against Illinois behind them and get them refocused for this big game against the Buckeyes. Ohio State is good, but not great and are still without starting point guard C.J. Walker. Give me Northwestern +8.5! 

40* NC State/Florida St NCAAB SHARP STAKE (FSU -3.5)

I'm going to take the Florida State Seminoles -3.5 at home against the NC State Wolfpack. I believe we are getting some value here with Florida State as a small home favorite due the fact that they have been out of action for over 2 weeks. Seminoles haven't taken the court since losing at Clemson 67-77 back on Dec. 29th because of Covid. 

I know rust can be a concern for a team that has had this much time off, but I don't think it will be as big a factor as some might think. In fact, I think we are going to see a fresh and hungry Florida State team take the court Wednesday night. 

This is a very talented Seminoles team that started out the season 4-0 with impressive wins over both Indiana and Florida. Florida State is also a team that rarely loses on their home floor. Seminoles have won 18 straight home games and each of their last 3 at home against NC State. 

As for the Wolfpack, they come in with a 6-3 record, but have lost their last two. Their 6-1 start was aided big time by a soft schedule, as 4 of their first 5 opponents were against teams who are currently ranked 245th or worse at KenPom. Their two conference wins also came by just 2 points against UNC and BC, so this team could easily be 0-4 in league play. 

Wolfpack are 11th in the ACC in adjusted defensive efficiency, 11th in the ACC in giving up offensive rebounds, 13th in free throw percentage and 11th in defending the 2-point shot. FSU is 4th in the ACC in effective FG% and 4th in 2P%. They are also No. 3 in the conference in defending the 3-pointer and No. 4 in 2-point defense. I just think it all adds up to a comfortable home win for the Seminoles. Give me Florida State -3.5! 

40* ALABAMA/KENTUCKY NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (Kentucky -2)

I really like the Wildcats here as a small home favorite against the Crimson Tide. Kentucky comes in having won 3 straight and just annihilated Florida on the road 76-58, but are still undervalued by the books because of their 4-6 overall record.

Not to mention Alabama comes in having won 5 straight, which includes a big road win at Tennessee. I've been on the Crimson Tide a lot early, but I think this recent success has them getting too much respect in this spot. Alabama will be on just two days rest, playing their 2nd straight on the road and this is simply a different Kentucky team right now. Wildcats are playing with a chip on their shoulder and this is a statement game against the Tide. Give me Kentucky -2! 

40* DUKE/VA TECH NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Virginia Tech +2) 

I will take the points with the Hokies at home against the Blue Devils. I just think Duke is overrated. This is not the same caliber a team as recent years and while they have started out 3-0 in ACC, they have played arguably the 3 worst team. 

The Hokies are by far the best team they will have played in league play. Va Tech is 3-1 in ACC play and the only loss was a mere 2-point setback at Louisville. Biggest thing here for me is Duke's defense. Blue Devils rank 15th in the ACC in 3P% defense and 14th in 2P%. Really hard to win on the road when you don't defend at a high level. Give me the Hokies +2! 

50* BUTLER/ST JOHN'S BIG EAST PLAY OF THE MONTH (St. John's -2) 

I love the Red Storm here as a small 2-point home favorite against Butler. Neither of these teams have been all that impressive of late, as St John's is just 1-5 in their last 6 (all conference games). The Bulldogs are just 3-6 on the season. 

I just haven't liked what I've seen out of this Butler team. They haven't won a game away from home all season and have struggled to keep it close on the road in Big East play. St John's 1-5 start is a result of them playing 4 of their first 6 conference games on the road. Their only home loss in league play came to a really good Creighton team. I just think St. John's is the better team and should be a bigger favorite at home in this one. Give me the Red Storm -2! 

40* UCONN/DEPAUL NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (DePaul +5.5) 

I'll take a shot with the Blue Demons as a 5.5-point home dog against the Huskies. This might seem like a favorable line to back UConn given the Huskies absolutely routed DePaul at home 82-61 back on Dec. 30th, but I see it the other way. I think that result has created a favorable line here for the home team. 

One thing that will get overlooked with that first matchup is the fact that DePaul was in a horrible spot, playing on just 2 days of rest after a double-overtime game at Providence. Now it's UConn that's in the tough scheduling spot, as the Huskies will be playing their 3rd straight road game in a span of just 7 days and are on just 1 day of rest after a game at Butler Saturday. 

The Huskies could also be down their best player in James Bouknight, who is questionable to play with an elbow injury. Bouknight didn't play against Butler on Saturday, so you have to wonder if another day will be enough to get him back. If it comes out that he isn't playing, this line is sure to drop. With or without him, I like the Blue Demons in this spot. Give me DePaul +5.5! 

40* CINCINNATI/WICHITA ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Wichita State -2) 

I love the value here with the Shockers as a slim 2-point home favorite against the Bearcats. I just feel like this Wichita State team is one of the more underrated teams right now and Cincinnati might be one of the most overrated.

The ATS results of these two teams certainly backs that up. The Bearcats are just 2-7 ATS on the season, while Wichita State is 4-2 and come in having covered their last 4. I just think because Cincinnati comes in off a 76-69 upset win as a 5.5-point dog at SMU, the line here is much lower than it should be. Wichita State's 6-3 with their 3 losses against Missouri, Oklahoma State and Houston, who are all sitting in the Top 50 in KenPom's rankings. Not to mention they were competitive in all 3 losses and have 3 other wins over Top 100 teams. Give me the Shockers -2! 

50* LSU/OLE MISS NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (LSU +2) 

I will gladly take my chances here with LSU as a small road dog against the Rebels. LSU bounced back from that ugly loss to Florida with a 94-92 OT win at home against Georgia. I think it's big for the Tigers to win a game like that against the Bulldogs when they didn't play close to their potential. 

They should have a much easier time here against Ole Miss. The Rebels are off to a strong 6-3 start, but their only win against a team in the Top 100 was Wednesday's home win over a mediocre Auburn team that is just No. 81 in KenPom's rankings. In their other 3 games against Top 100 teams they lost at Dayton, were routed at Alabama by 18 and lost at home to Wichita State. 

Also Rebels come in ranked No. 12 in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency, but that's a very misleading stat, as their defense dominated a bunch of bad teams early in the year. In their two recent losses they gave up 82 to Alabama and 83 to Wichita State. LSU is one of the best offensive teams in the country. Ole Miss won't be able to keep up. Give me the Tigers +2! 

40* USC/ARIZONA ST NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (USC -1.5) 

I will lay the short number with USC on the road against the Sun Devils. The Trojans come into this game off one of their best showings of the season, as they went on the road and defeated Arizona 87-73. I look for them to make easy work of a tired and deplete Arizona State team on Saturday. 

While the Sun Devils will likely get back their star player Remy Martin, they have several other guys out and have to be running on fumes after Thursday's OT game against UCLA. Arizona State basically used a 6 man rotation for that game. They had 4 different players play at least 41 minutes and two other plays account for 41. The rest of the team logged only 12 minutes. 

USC is just too talented for ASU to beat them, even at home in this spot. Look for the Trojans to take control of this early and really pull away in the 2nd half. Give me USC -1.5! 

40* MIAMI/NC STATE NCAAB ATS NO-BRAINER (Miami +6.5) 

I really like the value here with the Hurricanes catching 6.5 on the road against the Wolfpack. Miami is showing value here due to the fact that they come in having lost 3 straight and are just 1-5 in their last 6. The first two losses in this stretch of game against Florida Gulf Coast and Pitt were a result of Miami being short-handed with a bunch of guys out. 

They have since got healthy and while they haven't been able to finish on top of the scoreboard, they have been really close of late. In Miami's last 3 games they have lost by 2 at Virginia Tech as a 9-point dog, lost by 1 at home to Clemson as a 4.5-point dog and by 2 at home to UNC as a 3.5-point dog. 

As for NC State, they come in off a 70-74 OT loss at home to Clemson. A game they were fortunate to keep close. The Tigers shot just 9 of 30 (30%) from behind the 3-point line and were a mere 3-9 from the free throw line. The Wolfpacks only other two games against a Top 100 team were two 3-point wins at home against BC and UNC and a 11-point loss at St. Louis. I just don't think NC State is deserving of laying this kind of number here. Give me Miami +6.5! 

40* PURDUE/MICH ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Michigan St -4.5) 

I will gladly lay the 4.5-points at home with Michigan State against the Boilermakers. The Spartans had that ugly 3-game losing streak to start out Big Ten play, but they have rebounded nicely of late. They snapped the skid with a 84-77 win at Nebraska and in their last game absolutely destroyed Rutgers 68-45. 

Shockingly that was Michigan State's first cover since they beat Duke 75-69 as a 5.5-point dog back on Dec. 1. I believe their recent struggles is definitely keeping this number lower than it should be. Purdue is simply not as good as they have been in recent years. They have lost all 3 of their road games and are just not built to win many games on the road in the Big Ten. Spartans stay hot. They win and cover easy here. Give me Michigan State -4.5! 

50* ILLINOIS/NORTHWESTERN *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Northwestern +8) 

I'm shocked at the value we are getting here with Northwestern as a 8-point home dog to Illinois. I get the Wildcats got brought back to reality in their last two games, getting routed on the road by both Iowa and Michigan, but those are two of the best teams in the Big Ten.

A lot of teams are going to get destroyed when they visit those two arenas. I know Illinois is another great team, but getting them at home is a completely different story. I'm not saying the Fighting Illini won't win, but I definitely think this game is going to come down to the wire. Give me Northwestern +8! 

40* INDIANA/WISCONSIN NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Wisconsin -7.5) 

I got no problem laying 7.5-points with Wisconsin at home against Indiana. Wisconsin is going to be extremely fresh for this matchup, as they haven't played since Dec. 31st. Not to mention the Badgers are one of the toughest teams to beat at home in the Big Ten. 

There's also the fact that an Indiana team that struggles to score is expected to once again be without one of their best scorers in sophomore Armaan Franklin. This is also a tough matchup for the Hoosiers best player, big man Trayce Jackson-Davis. Wisconsin has all kinds of size and are one of the best teams in the country (8th) in 2-point % defense.

With how much Indiana struggles from behind the 3-point line, it's going to take an absolutely dreadful shooting performance by the Badgers for them to not win here by double-digits. Give me Wisconsin -7.5! 

50* GEORGIA/LSU NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (LSU -9)

I played on LSU in their loss Saturday against Florida. The Tigers lost the game by 4 as a 1.5-point dog. LSU was in control early and just let it slip away. That will happen, but it makes me like them that much more in this game. They will be 100% locked in for this game against the Bulldogs. 

Georgia is 7-1, but all 7 of those wins came in non-conference play and they didn't play anyone good. The best team they faced was Cincinnati, who is 2-6 right now. The Bulldogs showed what they are made of losing at home by double-digits to Mississippi State. It's not getting any better on the road against an even better team in LSU. I also love that Georgia likes to play fast, as that plays right in the strength of the Tigers. They win here by 10 no problem. Give me LSU -9! 

40* ST. JOE'S/ST BONAVENTURE NCAAB SHARP STAKE (St Bonaventure -12) 

I got no problem here laying the 12-points with the Bonnies at home against St. Joseph's. This is an extremely talented and deep St. Bonaventure team that returned all 5 starters from last year. After losing a game they should have won on the road against Rhode Island, the Bonnies responded with a huge upset win on the road against everyone's favorite pick to win the A-10 in Richmond. 

Now the Bonnies are set to play their conference home opener (also first home game since Dec. 19th) against a St. Joseph's team that hasn't won a game, as they come in at 0-7. The Hawks play absolutely no defense. St. Joseph's has given up 81 or more points in every game they have played and really hurt themselves because they combine that no defense by playing at a frantic pace. The Bonnies will have this thing covered by half and easily win this by 20+ points. Give me St. Bonaventure -12! 

40* FLORIDA/ALABAMA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Alabama -2.5) 

We cashed with Alabama +10 in Saturday's 71-63 outright win on the road against No. 7 Tennessee and will gladly fire back with the Crimson Tide as a small home favorite against the Gators. I lost going against Florida in the Gators 83-79 win over LSU, but my same concerns with the Gators remain and that's them not having one of their best players in Keyontae Johnson. 

It's one thing to overcome an injury like that at home. It's a lot harder on the road. I just don't see Florida being able to keep pace with this fast-paced offense of Alabama. The one thing that really plagued the Tide early on was their 3-point shooting, but they have made at least 10 from deep in each of their last 3 games. Look for them to stay hot from the outside, as Florida's defense comes in ranked 261st in KenPom's 3P% ranking. 

Alabama is also a perfect 6-0 ATS last 3 seasons when listed as a home favorite of 3-points or less and 12-3 ATS last 15 when coming into a game after back-to-back covers. They have also covered 9 of their last 11 vs a team that's won 80% or more of their games. Give me the Crimson Tide -2.5! 

40* OHIO ST/MINNESOTA NCAAB ATS MASSACRE (Minnesota +1) 

I will gladly take the Gophers as a home dog against the Buckeyes. No way should this Minnesota team be getting points at home against Ohio State. This to me just feels like a complete overreaction to what happened in the last game for both of these teams. 

Ohio State crushed Nebraska 90-54 at home, while Minnesota lost 59-71 on the road to Wisconsin. Neither of those results should be all that surprising. The Cornhuskers are the worst team in the conference. The Badgers are one of the best and extremely tough to beat on their home floor. 

We have already seen the Gophers take down Iowa and Michigan State at home in Big Ten play, they also beat a really good St Louis team at home. Ohio State has lost both of their road games to Purdue and Northwestern. Give me Minnesota +1! 

40* ALABAMA/TENNESSEE NCAAB SLAUGHTER (Alabama +10) 

I'll take my chances here with the Crimson Tide +10 at Tennessee. The Volunteers are 7-0 and off a dominant 73-53 win over a ranked Missouri team and I believe it has resulted in quite a big overreaction by the books with the line here against Alabama. 

It would take a red-hot shooting performance for the Crimson Tide to win this game, but with the way they can score, I don't think it's asking a lot for them to keep it within 10 points. Alabama has really only had one bad showing and that was a 18-point loss to Stanford early. They have since beat quality teams like Providence and Ole Miss. They also lost by just 8 to a really good Clemson team on a neutral floor and did so despite going just 3 of 22 (13.6%) from long distance. Give me Crimson Tide +10! 

40* PURDUE/ILLINOIS NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Illinois -8) 

I got no problem laying single digits with the Fighting Illini at home against the Boilermakers. I'm just not all that impressed with Purdue. Outside of a 7-point win at home against Ohio State there's not a lot to get excited about. Also, the Boilermakers are a team that can surprise people at home, but so much has to go right for them to be competitive on the road. 

In their two Big Ten road games they lost by 15 to Iowa and that was with the Hawkeyes having one of their worst offensive games of the season. They also just lost by 5 at Rutgers with the Scarlet Knights down some key players to injury. 

Illinois got off to a bit of a slow start with 3 losses in their first 8 games, but all of those were against top tier teams in Baylor, Missouri and Rutgers. All 3 were also played away from home. Fighting Illini come in having won their last two and I look for them to cruise to a victory here. Give me Illinois -8! 

40* LSU/FLORIDA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (LSU +1.5) 

I will back LSU at basically a pick'em on the road against the Gators. This Tigers team has been impressive to start the season. LSU features one of the most lethal offensive attacks in the country. The Tigers have scored at least 77 points in every game they have played. They are 5th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency and 8th in effective field goal percentage. 

Florida is a good team that comes in at 4-1 with their only loss on the road to a good Florida State team. However, the Gators lost arguably their best player, Keyontae Johnson, in that loss to the Seminoles. They were able to win their first game in blowout fashion without hi, but that came against a bad Vanderbilt team that is extremely weak on the defensive side of the ball. I just think we are another game or two away before the books make the proper adjustments on this Florida team without Johnson. As long as LSU doesn't have an awful shooting game here, they should win rather comfortably. Give me the Tigers +1.5! 

40* MISSOURI/ARKANSAS NCAAB EARLY BIRD NO-BRAINER (Missouri +7) 

I think we are getting a steal here with Missouri as a near double-digit dog on the road against Arkansas. It's easy to see why this line is off as we are getting a big overreaction to the Tigers 20-point (53-73) loss at home to Tennessee. That was just a bad game for Missouri, who got blitzed out of the gate and could never recover. Not to mention that's an elite Volunteers team. 

Arkansas enters this game a perfect 9-0 and as impressive as that may appears, it's come agaisnt the 284th strength of schedule. The Razorbacks have played just 1 team in the Top 100 and that's Auburn. They did beat the Tigers by 12, but also gave up 85 in the process. Missouri will be the best team they have faced and I wouldn't be shocked at all if the Tigers won this game outright. Give me Missouri +7! 

40* MARSHALL/LA TECH NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Marshall -1) 

I will back the Thundering Herd at basically a pick'em on the road against Louisiana Tech. I've really been impressed with Marshall early on. They are 6-1 and their only loss came in OT at home against a Toledo team that is ranked in the Top 100 at KenPom. This hot start is no surprise. Marshall returned a lot from last year team, which really took off in the 2nd half. 

Louisiana Tech only returned 1 starter, but have managed to start out the season 7-2. However, it's a very misleading record, as the Bulldogs have 6 wins against teams that are ranked 293rd or worse at KenPom. Their best win is a 6-point victory over No. 162 UT Arlington. Marshall is No. 82. The only team they have played in the Top 100 is LSU and they got annihilated 86-55. Much like LSU, Marshall likes to play fast and are lethal on the offensive side. Give me the Thundering Herd -1! 

40* UTAH/UCLA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (UCLA -7) 

I got no problem laying the points with UCLA at home against Utah in Thursday's Pac-12 matchup. The Bruins haven't played since losing to Ohio State on Dec. 19th. I believe the long layoff came at a good time for Mick Cronin's team and with them coming off a loss to snap their 5-game winning streak, I'm expecting a fired up UCLA team tonight. 

Bruins only other loss was in their season opener at San Diego State, who is turned out to be much better than anticipated. They have played 4 games at home and all 4 have come by at least 9 points, including wins over Cal and Marquette. 

Utah is 4-1, but they really haven't played anyone. Three of their wins are against 3 awful teams in Idaho St, Utah Valley and Idaho. All at home. They did beat Washington by 14 at home in their season opener, but the Huskies are 1-6 with a 15-point loss to UC Riverside and a 8 point loss to Montana. The best they have played is BYU and they lost 64-82 on the road. UCLA is better than BYU. Give me the Bruins -7! 

40* MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN NCAAB ATS SLAUGHTER (Wisconsin -8.5) 

This is going to seem like a big number for the Badgers to be laying in this on. Wisconsin just lost their last game at home to Maryland 64-70 as a 7.5-point favorite. That was a Terps team that was winless in Big Ten play. Now they are an even bigger favorite against a Minnesota team that comes in having won 3 straight, over St Louis, Iowa and Michigan State. The line here really tells you everything. 

The big thing to note with those 3 straight wins for the Gophers is all 3 came at home. The Gophers only road game (haven't played any on a neutral court) was at Illinois back on Dec. 15 and they lost that game 65-92. 

I just think Minnesota is walking into a death trap here against a pissed off and motivated Wisconsin team coming off a loss. Give me the Badgers -8.5! 

40* BC/NC STATE NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Boston College +9.5) 

I really like the value here with Boston College as a near double-digit dog against the Wolfpack. NC State is coming in off a big win over in-state rival North Carolina last time they took the floor, but they almost blew that game, winning by 3 after leading by as many as 17 in the 1st half. The only other team they have played in the Top 230 at KenPom is St Louis and they lost by 11, giving up 80 to the Billikens. 

Boston College comes in with a record of just 2-5, which is where the value with this line stems. However, the Eagles have played the 12th toughest schedule in the country so far. Out of their 5 losses, 4 have come against teams who are currently ranked in the Top 30 at KenPom. The other was a mere 3-point loss to a good St. John's team. They took Villanova down to the wire losing by just 9 and took Minnesota to OT on the road in a 5-point loss. This is a game they can win outright. Give me the Eagles +9.5! 

40* NOTRE DAME/VIRGINIA NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Virginia -5.5)

I got no problem laying the 5.5 with Virginia on the road against Notre Dame tonight. I think this is the perfect spot to jump on the Cavaliers as a short favorite, as we can bank on a huge effort from Virginia coming off that embarrassing 23-point loss (75-98) loss to Gonzaga.

You just can't read into a loss like that, as Gonzaga looks like they are by far the most complete team right now. This is still an extremely talented Cavaliers team that are once again elite defensively and got some pretty good options on the offensive side of the ball. 

Notre Dame has played some quality teams tough, losing by 10 to Michigan State, by 5 to Ohio State, by 10 to Duke and by 10 to Purdue. I just don't think any of those teams are on the same level as Virginia. I just don't think the Irish are strong enough defensively to beat a team like the Cavs who are so tough to score on. Give me Virginia -5.5! 

50* FLORIDA ST/CLEMSON NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Clemson -1.5) 

I think we are getting a steal here with Clemson at basically a pick'em on their home floor against the Seminoles. The betting public doesn't see it that way. All they see is the No. 18 team getting points against an unranked opponent, which is why I feel there is so much value. 

I don't know why Clemson isn't ranked to be honest. The Tigers are 6-1 with 4 quality wins over Mississippi State, Purdue, Maryland and Alabama. The only loss coming by 6 points on the road to Virginia Tech and that was just a bad shooting night, as they were just 38% from the field. 

If KenPom had a say they would be ranked, as they are the No. 20 in their rankings. Florida State would also be ranked, but they have them at No. 25. Factor in home court and the elite level defense that head coach Brad Brownell has this team playing and I feel they win here easily. Give me the Tigers -1.5!  

40* DRAKE/INDIANA ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Indiana St +4) 

I think the line here tells you everything you need to know that the Sycamores are the play. Drake comes into this game with a perfect 9-0 record and have also gone a perfect 6-0 in their games with a line posted. The betting public won't be able to help themselves with the Bulldogs laying a short number against a Indiana State team that is 3-2 with a couple of double-digit losses to Purdue and St Louis. 

The thing is, Drake has played a cupcake schedule to start the season. In fact, the Bulldogs strength of schedule at KenPom ranks a mere 311th. The only team they have played that's ranked in the Top 215 at KenPom is Kansas State and they are awful. Drake is going to suffer that first loss sooner rather than later and I actually think they should be a dog in this matchup. Give me the Sycamores +4! 

40* OHIO ST/NORTHWESTERN NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Northwestern +3.5) 

I'll take the points with Northwestern at home against Ohio State. The Wildcats have shocked everyone with their 2-0 start to Big Ten play. First they destroyed Michigan State 79-65 at home as a 8.5-point dog, then on just two days rest went on the road and upset Indiana 74-67 as a 9-point dog.

I get we aren't getting near double-digits this time around, but I really think the Wildcats should be favored at home in this one. Ohio State is 7-1, but I still got my concerns with this team. I think they are good, but not as good as what their record and ranking would suggest. They lost by 7 on the road to Purdue in their Big 10 opener and needed a crazy 2nd half run to come back and beat Rutgers at home. Give me the Wildcats +3.5! 

50* MARYLAND/PURDUE NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Purdue -5) 

My favorite play on Christmas Day is the Purdue Boilermakers as a mere 5-point home favorite against the Terps.  Great spot to back Purdue off a 15-point loss at Iowa. While they didn't come close to covering, I thought the Boilermakers played well in a tough spot on the road. They are just not a team built to upset an elite team like the Hawks away from home. 

Things should be much easier for Purdue at Mackey Arena on Friday against a Maryland team that isn't anywhere close to what it's been in recent years. Terps got off to a strong 4-0 start against a cupcake schedule, but then lost by 16 at Clemson and by 14 at home to Rutgers. I just think like Purdue, it's going to be hard for Maryland to be competitive on the road against the majority of the teams in the Big Ten. Give me the Boilermakers -5! 

40* W ILLINOIS/DEPAUL NCAAB SLAUGHTER (DePaul -15.5) 

I think we are getting a bit of a steal here with DePaul as they just now playing their first game of the season. Coming off a 16-16 season where they went just 3-15 in Big East play isn't exactly something to get excited about. But I like the direction this program is headed and I think they got some nice new pieces that could have them taking a big step forward. 

One thing is for sure, they are going to be itching to get on the floor for this game. The effort that we can expect should be enough on it's own for them to cover this spread against Western Illinois, who is currently the 338th ranked team at KenPom. The only legit team the Leathernecks have faced is Iowa and they lost by 41 points. It's really not asking much for DePaul to win here by 20. Give me the Blue Demons -15.5! 

40* PURDUE/IOWA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Iowa -6.5) 

I will take my chances here with the Hawkeyes making easy work of Purdue at home in their Big Ten opener. I'm not concerned with Iowa coming off that crushing loss to Gonzaga. I know it wasn't the outcome they wanted, but there were some positives. Iowa lost to the No. 1 team by only 11-points, despite shooting 4 of 22 (18%) on 3-pointers and going 14 of 26 (54%) from the free throw line. 

I just think there's enough of a veteran presence on this team that they aren't going to let that loss carry over into their conference opener, especially at home. Purdue is a good team, but just aren't built to compete with an offensive juggernaut like the Hawkeyes. Give me Iowa -6.5!

50* LOUISVILLE/PITT ACC PLAY OF THE MONTH (Louisville -3) 

This is an easy play for me on the Cardinals as a slim 3-point favorite at Pittsburgh. I love backing good teams off a bad performance and Louisville definitely falls into that situation after getting absolutely destroyed on Saturday in a 48-85 loss to Wisconsin. 

One thing to keep in mind in that ugly showing against the Badgers, is Louisville was without their best players in senior Carlik Jones. He's the one guy they can't do without. He leads the team in scoring (17.3 ppg), rebounding (7.0 rpg) and assists (5.3 apg). He's going to be back for this one and that should be enough for them to win this game on the road against Pitt. 

The Panthers are 5-1 and just beat Miami by 15 at home in their ACC opener. That was however a misleading victory, as the Hurricanes have been decimated with injuries. While Pitt is slowing improving, I don't think they can handle a locked in Cardinals team. Give me Louisville -3! 

40* CINCINNATI/UCF NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (UCF +2.5) 

There's just no way Cincinnati should be laying points on the road in this one. This is a rebuilding year for the Bearcats after all the talent they lost and it's shown in their play so far. Cincinnati has lost 3 straight and are just 1-4 to start the season. They just lost at Georgia by 15 as a 1.5-point favorite. I just feel like the books are slow to adjust to this team. 

As for UCF, the Knights are coming off their second statement win in 3 games. UCF started out the season with a 63-55 win at home against Auburn. They got their butts kicked at Michigan, but just won on the road against FSU 86-74 as a 14.5-point dog. UCF has a go-to scorer in senior Brandon Mahan and are getting big time production out of sophomore Darin Green and freshman Isaiah Adams. 

Free throw shooting could be the difference in this one. Cincinnati is shooting just 63.4% as a team from the charity line, while the Knights are 85.7%. Bearcats are also shooting just 25% from behind the 3-point line, while UCF is at 36%. Give me the Knights +2.5! 

50* SAN JOSE ST/UTAH ST NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Utah State -18.5) 

I have high expectations for Utah State in the Mountain West this year and I'm confident the Aggies will be locked in for their conference opener tonight against San Jose State, who is right there with Air Force as the worst team in the league. 

Utah State is just 3-3, but two of those defeats came on a neutral court to quality teams in VCU and South Dakota State. The other is a mere 3-point loss to a very good BYU team. San Jose State has played one team that's even respectable and that's St. Mary's. The Spartans lost that game by 35 points (trailed by 40+ with less than 3 minutes to play), giving up 96 to the Gaels. I just don't think it's asking much for the Aggies to win this one by 20 at home. Give me Utah State -18.5! 

40* E WASH/N ARIZONA NCAAB ATS STEAMROLLER (E Washington -10.5) 

I played on Eastern Washington as a 9-point dog in their last game against St. Mary's and they covered easily in a 5-point loss. The Eagles could have easily won that game outright. They had as big as a 9-point lead in the 2nd half on the road. 

However, the loss dropped Eastern Washington to 1-4 on the season and that's definitely playing into the Eagles showing value here against a Northern Arizona team they should handle with ease. Keep in mind the first 3 losses for Eastern Washington all came on the road against Pac-12 teams in Washington St, Arizona and Oregon. Both losses to the Cougars and Wildcats came by just 3 points. 

While they lost by just 3 to Arizona, their opponent today, Northern Arizona, lost to the Wildcats by 43 (96-53). The Lumberjacks have also lost by 24 to UC Riverside and by 39 to Colorado State. Those are the only 3 games they have played. I just think a desperate Eastern Washington team is going to easily win here by 11 or more. Give me the Eagles -10.5! 

40* CHATTANOOGA/UAB NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (UAB -11) 

We played on UAB in their last game against Southern as a mere 15-point favorite and they went on to win that game by a final score of 88-46. They have played 7 games and won 6 of those by 20 points. This team started out ranked 115th in KenPom and are up to 88. They have won and covered every game the books have set a line and I don't know how you don't keep riding this team, especially with a favorable line like we have here. 

In my analysis on UAB against Southern I mentioned how much I loved the hire of head coach Andy Kennedy and even more so the talent he inherited and brought to town. 

Kennedy took over a UAB team that returned their top 3 scorers from last year in guards Tavin Lovan (13.2 ppg), Jalen Benjamin (11.9 ppg) and Tyreek Scott-Grayson (10.0 ppg). He then went out and added two Top 50 rated grad transfers in Michael Ertel and Quan Jackson. The only non-power 5 program to land two such grad transfers ranked in the Top 50. They also added 7'0 big man Trey Jemison, who has been a force for the Blazers. Jemison is averaging 9.5 ppg 8.5 rpg and a staggering 3.7 blocks/game. 

One of the reasons we are getting value here is because Chattanooga enters the game with a perfect 7-0 record. However, it's not that impressive when you take a closer look. The Mocs have played one game against a team ranked in the Top 200 at KenPom and that is No. 198 ranked Middle Tennessee, who is 2-4 with losses to Nebraska-Omaha and E Tennessee St. Give me UAB -11! 

40* HOFSTRA/ST. BONAVENTURE NCAAB SHARP STAKE (St. Bonaventure -11.5) 

I waited and waited for the Bonnies to take the floor for the 2020-21 season and cashed a winning ticket on them in their 81-74 win against Akron on Tuesday. I will fire right back with St. Bonaventure on Saturday at home against Hofstra. 

Right now the Bonnies are No. 72 in Kenpom, but I see them as way better than that. This is a team that returns all 5 starters from a 19-win team. They got 3 guys who can carry the load offensively if needed. In the win over Akron, Osun Osunniyi led the way with 25 points, but they also 18 from Dominick Welch and 17 from Kyle Lofton. 

One thing to note about that win and cover against the Zips is they did that despite going a dreadful 1 for 14 from behind the 3-point line. While they aren't going to light teams up from deep, they are a much better 3-point shooting team than that and I think playing at home compared to a neutral site will help in a big way here. 

Hofstra is 3-2 but I haven't been all that impressed with what I've seen from the Pride. Their 3 wins are against Fairleigh Dickinson, Stony Brook and Monmouth. Two of those wins were by single digits. Hofstra also lost by 28 last year (73-45) in a visit to the Bonnies. Give me St Bonaventure -11.5! 

40* N COLORADO/UTAH ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Utah State -11.5)

I think we are getting a great price here with Utah State as a mere 11.5-point home favorite against Northern Colorado. The Aggies come into this game with a mere 2-3 record, but all 3 losses have come against quality teams in VCU, South Dakota State and BYU. They only lost by 3 to BYU and do have a nice 11-point win over UNI on their resume. 

The Bears enter this game at 3-1, but it's a very misleading 3-1 record. Two of those wins are against non-DI opponents in Colorado Christian and Regis. The other is against Denver by 8 and they are ranked 322nd in KenPom. The only decent team Northern Colorado has faced is Colorado and they lost that contest by 36 points (45-81). 

Utah State is not only the better team, but they have a big edge here in rest. Aggies had some Covid issues and as a result haven't played since last Tuesday (Dec. 8). The Bears on the other hand are playing their 3rd game this week as they played at Colorado on Monday and at Denver on Wednesday. Give me the Aggies -11.5! 

50* KANSAS/TEXAS TECH NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Texas Tech -3) 

I will gladly lay the short number here with the Red Raiders at home against the Jayhawks. I was shocked when this line opened at close to a pick'em and still see plenty of value at this price. Head coach Chris Beard has turned Texas Tech into an elite program. Last year they had to replace a lot and ended up going just 18-13 with a 9-9 mark in the Big 12. One thing to note is that all 13 losses were to teams who finished in the Top 100 of KenPom's rankings, 4 were in OT and their largest loss was by 12 points. 

I expect the Red Raiders to jump right back into that same category of a Final 4 contender that they were the previous two years. Red Raiders got talent coming back, added in some great talent from the transfer portal and got two stud freshmen that are already making an impact. 

Kanas is always a good team and they 6-1 with their only loss to Gonzaga, but they were never really in that game against the Bulldogs. Their two best wins over Kentucky and Creighton came by a combined 4 points and we saw this team only beat North Dakota State by 4 on their home floor. I just think Tech is the better team. Give me the Red Raiders -3! 

50* MEMPHIS/TULANE AAC PLAY OF THE MONTH (Memphis -10.5)

I think this is the perfect spot to fade the Green Wave. Tulane is getting quite a bit a love here after their 4-0 start, but those 4 wins have come against Lamar, Lipscomb, Southern Miss and Arkansas Pine Bluff. Lamar is ranked No. 289 and is currently 1-5. They only beat them by 9. They beat Lipscomb by 2, who is 3-5 with wins over Lamar, No. 328 SE Miss St and a non-DI school. They did beat Southern Miss by 20, but they are No. 307 with their only D-1 win coming against Lamar. They beat Ark Pine Bluff by 11 and they are No. 350 and 1-7. 

I get Memphis hasn't been quite as dominant as we thought they would be. Tigers are 4-3, but those 3 losses have all come to quality teams in WKU, VCU and Auburn. They were competitive in all 3. I just think the talent gap is much bigger than what this number would suggest. Give me Memphis -10.5! 

40* PITTSBURGH/MIAMI NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Miami +2) 

We have seen Miami go from a favorite to a dog in this game against Pitt and I just think there's too much value here with the Hurricanes as a home dog against what I think is a pretty overrated Pitt team. 

Miami will be missing some key players, but they also will be adding in Stony Brook transfer Elijah Olaniyi, as the NCAA is expected to announce later today that all transfers will be immediately eligible to play. More than enough talent with Olaniyi to beat the Panthers and I think we get a big effort here with people doubting the short-handed canes in this one. 

Pitt is 4-1, but their only win against a team ranked inside the Top 150 of KenPom is Northwestern and I'm not so sure the Wildcats are all that great. Pitt's other 3 wins are against Drexel, Northern Illinois and Gardner Webb. Not to mention their lone loss came by double-digits to a St Francis team that is ranked No. 258 at KenPom. Give me Miami +2! 

40* NEB-OMAHA/COLORADO NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Colorado -21.5) 

I got no problem laying the big number here with the Buffaloes. Colorado comes in at 3-1 with their only loss on the road against Tennessee, who looks like one of the best teams in the country. In their other 3 wins they have won by 23 over South Dakota, by 18 over Kansas State (outscored Wildcats 67-36 after falling behind 22-9) and most recently a 36-point win over Northern Colorado on Monday. 

While this will be their second game in basically 48 hours, they didn't have to use much energy in their last game. No starter played more than 30 minutes and only senior McKinley Wright logged more than 22 minutes. Colorado should have no problem getting back up and making easy work of the Mavericks. 

Nebraska-Omaha is just 2-5 and have struggled to keep it close when they have played better teams. The Mavs lost by 27 at Creighton and by 45 at Kansas. They also lost by 21 at Drake. I just don't think it's asking much of the Buffs to win here by 22. Give me Colorado -21.5! 

40* E WASH/ST. MARY'S LATE NIGHT CBB BAILOUT (Eastern Michigan +9) 

If you don't know much about these two teams, you might think this line is way off, as you have a Eastern Washington team that is 1-3 with their only win against a non-DI opponent as a mere 9-point dog against a St Mary's team that is 6-1 and riding a 6-game winning streak since losing their opener to Memphis. 

The big thing to note with the Gaels is each of their last 4 wins have come against teams ranked outside the Top 175 in KenPom. On the flip side of this, Eastern Washington's 1-3 start is a result of their schedule.

All 3 of their losses came on the road against Pac-12 teams in Washington St, Arizona and Oregon. They only lost by 3 to both the Cougars and Wildcats. They did loe by 17 to the Ducks, but were only down 4 at the half and had to play that game on just 1 day of rest after facing Arizona. 

I not only think the Eagles can keep it close enough to cover, but I give them a good shot here of winning the game outright. Give me Eastern Washington +9! 

50* SE LOUISIANA/TEXAS A&M NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Texas A&M -21.5) 

I really like the value here with Texas A&M covering as a big home favorite against SE Louisiana. This is a huge mismatch in terms of talent. The Lions come into this game at 1-5 with some really ugly losses. They lost by 53 to LSU and 25 to UAB. The only two teams they have played ranked inside the Top 100 in KenPom. 

They are 327th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency and 311th in adjusted defensive efficiency. They also like to play fast, which aids to them getting blown out by such big numbers, as they rank 62nd in tempo. 

Texas A&M had started out 3-0, but were just embarrassed in their last game at TCU, losing 55-73 to the Horned Frogs. I think that's aiding in the favorable number we are getting and it also should have the Aggies more locked in for this game than they would have been otherwise. Give me Texas A&M -21.5! 

40* APPALACHIAN ST/TENNESSEE NCAAB NO-BRAINER (Appalachian State +19) 

I played and won on Appalachian State in their last game at Charlotte, as the Mountaineers won outright 61-57 as a 4-point dog. I mention in the analysis of that game how much I like this team, especially head coach Dustin Kerns. 

Last year in his first season on the job. Appalachian State surprised everyone going 18-15 with a 11-9 mark (6th) in Sun Belt play. A huge improvement from the year before when they finished 11-20 and 6-12 in conference play. 

Turning around a program is nothing new for Kerns. In his previous stint at Presbyterian, he took a program that has never been competitive to a real force. He took over a team that finished 5-25. In his first year they improved to 11-21 and in year two they went 20-16. Last season without him they dropped back down to 10-22. 

I believe this team is more than capable of hanging around with the Volunteers and covering this big number. Tennessee is a really good team, but this is a bit of a flat spot off two big games against Colorado and Cincinnati to start the year. While they won both of those games, they only scored 54 against the Buffaloes and 65 against the Bearcats. Some of that low scoring is how they play, as they rank 294th in adjusted tempo. That slow pace only favors App State covering this big number even more. Give me the Mountaineers +19! 

50* MARQUETTE/UCLA LATE NIGHT *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (UCLA -4) 

I love the value here with the Bruins laying a short number at home. I had a feeling this line was going to drop with the public being drawn to Marquette as most still have questions over how good this UCLA team is after watching them lose by 15 to San Diego State and need 3OT to beat Pepperdine. 

It's not uncommon for teams to come out a bit sluggish. I think UCLA has got some of those kinks worked out. They also didn't have one of their better players in junior Jalen Hill for both games against SDSU and Pepperdine. 

The other big thing I like here with going against Marquette is that the Golden Eagles played all 5 of their games so far at home. Not only is this their first road game, but this quite a long distance for them to travel. I just think it's a really tough spot for them. Give me UCLA -4! 

40* N FLORIDA/E CAROLINA NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (East Carolina -13.5)

This is a vastly improved East Carolina team. The Pirates have started out the season 4-0 and while the competition hasn't been the stiffest, this North Florida team will be the worst D-I opponent they have faced this season. 

North Florida is 0-6 and in their last two games have lost to High Point and FAU, who are both ranked outside the Top 200 in KenPom. East Carolina is sitting at No. 116. 

Ospreys have been awful on the defensive end. They are 348th in adjusted defensive efficiency. They don't force turnovers and give up offensive rebounds at a very high rate. They also foul a lot, as opponents are attempting 22 free throws a game against them.  All things that will allow the Pirates to create the separation needed to cover this spread. Give me East Carolina -13.5! 

40* OKLAHOMA/XAVIER NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Oklahoma +1) 

I'm really high on the Sooners this year and will gladly take them at basically a pick'em on the road against what I feel is a pretty mediocre Xavier team. I played and cashed on Oklahoma in each of their first two games against UTSA and TCU. Sooners have one of the best players in the country in Austin Reaves, who currently ranks as the 6th best player in KenPom's rankings. 

Xavier enters this game at 6-0 and I definitely feel like that's playing into the value with Oklahoma. Musketeers could easily be just 3-3. They beat Bradley by 1, Toledo by 3 and needed OT to get past Eastern Kentucky. All of those came at home. They did just beat Cincinnati by 8, but I'm way down on the Bearcats this year. The wrong team is favored in this one. Give me Oklahoma +1!

40* INDIANA/FLORIDA ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Florida St -3) 

I know the Big Ten absolutely owned the ACC last night, but I can't help myself with Florida State as a mere 3-point home favorite against Indiana. It feels like every year people sleep on Leonard Hamilton's team and I think that's the case again. Everyone sees the talent FSU lost to the NBA, but that's nothing new. This team reloads way better than they get credit for. 

What I love here in this matchup is the Seminoles have incredible size and talent inside, led by 6-9 freshman Scottie Barnes, 7-1 sophomore Balsa Koprivica and 6-8 junior Raiquan Gray. I think that size will be the key in this one, as Indiana has really relied on scoring inside so far this year. Hoosiers are one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the country early on. This matchup really reminds me a lot of Indiana game last week against Texas, which they got absolutely destroyed 66-44. Give me the Seminoles -3! 

50* NCAAB NON-CONF PLAY OF THE MONTH (Furman +3.5) 

A lot of people will probably look at this line and want to take Cincinnati as a small home favorite, but that's only because they aren't aware of how good this Furman team is. The Paladins are 4-0 and while they haven't played anybody to this point, they have absolutely dominated the competition. All 4 wins have been by no fewer than 24 points. 

Not a huge surprise when you look at the fact that Furman returns 4 starters from a team that went 25-7 last year. This is without question the team to beat in the Southern Conference and it would be a shock if they didn't make the NCAA Tournament. 

As for the Bearcats, they are way down from last year's team that won 20 games and finished T-1st in the AAC with a 13-5 league mark. Cincinnati lost 3 big pieces from that team in Jarron Cumberland, Jaevin Cumberland and Tre Scott. Head coach John Brannen was quoted saying "We flipped the roster...This, to me, was always going to be a transition year." 

While the Bearcats have only played two games, they barely got by a bad Lipscomb team 67-55 (trailed by 9 in the 2nd half) and lost to a pretty mediocre Xavier team this past Sunday at home. Give me Furman +3.5! 

40* BC/MINNESOTA NCAAB ATS STEAMROLLER (Boston College +7) 

This is the perfect time to buy low on Boston College. The Eagles come into this game with a 1-3 record and are fresh off an ugly 20-point loss to Florida on a neutral floor. That was just a bad game for the Eagles and it continued quite the gauntlet to start the year, as their 3 previous were against Villanova, Rhode Island and St. John's (all 4 opponents rank in the Top 80 in KenPom). 

As for Minnesota, they are 4-0, but have played quite an easy schedule. They two wins over teams ranked 250 or worse (Green Bay and North Dakota). The other two wins are against Loyola-Marymount, who is ranked 137th. I just don't think there's anywhere close to the gap in talent that this line suggests. Give me Boston College +7!  

40* NCAAB NO DOUBT ATS BLOWOUT (UC-Santa Barbara -3) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Gauchos as a slim 3-point home favorite against Loyola-Marymount. I just think we are getting a good price here with UC-Santa Barbara because their only game has come against a non D-I opponent in Saint Katherine, while the Lions are off a 24-point win and cover against Long Beach State and played Minnesota tough twice. 

There's plenty to like about the Gauchos, as they bring back 4 starters from a team that won 21 games last year. This definitely looks like the most talented team in the Big West. Love their experienced playmakers in the backcourt and they aren't short on size in the post. I just think this is a steal getting them at this price. Give me UC-Santa Barbara -3! 

40* OKLAHOMA/TCU NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Oklahoma -3.5) 

I played on Oklahoma in their opener against UTSA. Sooners were a mere 15-point favorite in that matchup and went on to win by a final score of 105-66. I just don't think that was any fluke. The Sooners far exceeded expectations last year and are even stronger this year. They aren't just a good Big 12 team, they are one that can compete with the big boys of Baylor, Kansas, Texas and West Virginia. 

I just don't see them losing here on the road to TCU. Sooners won both meetings last year, including a 20-point blowout victory in the first meeting. Both times Oklahoma's offense put up big numbers, scoring 83 and 78 points. Sooners are even stronger, while the Horned Frogs look to be down a notch from last year. Give me Oklahoma -3.5! 

40* MISSOURI/WICHITA ST NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Missouri -4.5) 

I just think the price is right to take a shot with Missouri at -4.5. I just see these two teams headed in different directions. The Tigers are poised for a breakout season with one of the most experienced teams in the country. They were a much better team than the one that went just 15-16 last year. I think we saw that in the Tigers last game, as they beat Oregon 83-75 on a neutral court. 

Wichita State had all those guys leave via transfer after last season and then came the departure of head coach Greg Marshall right before the season. I just think because the Shockers are such a big brand in CBB they are going to be overvalued early on. 

Their only game was this past Wednesday against Oral Roberts and while they won, they did so by a final of just 85-80. Just so happens that's also the same team Missouri opened the season against back on Nov. 25. Tigers beat Oral Roberts 91-64. Give me Missouri -4.5! 

40* NCAAB LATE NIGHT ATS BAILOUT (Auburn -10)

I think this is a great buy low spot on Auburn as a mere 10-point favorite against South Alabama. I know the Tigers aren't expected to be a huge threat this year, but there's plenty of talent on this team and they got a legit head coach in Bruce Pearl. We can bank on a big effort here coming off back-to-back losses to Gonzaga and UCF and no game on the schedule until next Saturday. South Alabama is 3-1, but have two wins against non-D1 teams. Their only D1 win is a mere 2-point win over FAU and they lost to Jacksonville State at home. Give me Auburn -10! 

50* NCAAB MID-AMERICAN (MAC) PLAY OF THE MONTH (Toledo -2.5) 

I think we are getting a steal here with Toledo as a slim 2.5-point favorite against Eastern Michigan. For starters, the Rockets are picked to finish near the top of the MAC standings, while the Eagles are picked to be in contention for one of the worst teams in the league. 

Toledo comes in at just 2-2, but their two losses are two quality teams in Bradley and Xavier. Both games they could have easily won, as they lost by 2 to the Braves and by just 3 to the Musketeers. 

While the Rockets have 4 games under their belt, Eastern Michigan has played just one game and that was last Wednesday against Michigan State. The Eagles did manage to cover as 22.5-point dogs in a 16-point loss, but it really felt like the Spartans were toying with Eastern Michigan. I definitely think not playing for more than a week is a disadvantage this early in the season. I also think that cover against Mich St has them getting a little too much love here. Give me Toledo -2.5! 

50* NCAAB NON-CONF PLAY OF THE MONTH (UCLA -19.5) 

This feels like the perfect spot to buy low on UCLA. The Bruins haven't exactly impressed in their first two games. They opened the season getting destroyed by San Diego State 73-58. They then needed 3OT to get past Pepperdine 107-98. It has a lot of people hesitant to lay a big number with the Bruins against Seattle, but I think they not only cover it, but cover rather easily. For the first time this season UCLA will have Jalen Hill on the court. They also might get their first action out of Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang. With their first conference game on deck Sunday against Cal, Bruins will be motivated here to show out. Give me UCLA -19.5! 

40* COLLEGE HOOPS SHARP STAKE (Oklahoma -15) 

I think this is too good a price to pass up with Oklahoma. Sooners have yet to take the court this season and I think that's playing into the favorable number. Oklahoma just seems to always get overlooked in the Big 12. No one was giving them any shot of making the tournament last year and they won 19 games and were on the bubble to make the field. This is a much better team than they had a year ago. As for UTSA, they are 1-1. Their win was against Texas Permian Basin. They lost to UT Rio Grande Valley by 17. A team that was ranked 224 in KenPom going into that matchup. These two programs have played each other each of the last 3 seasons and all 3 ended in Oklahoma wins by more than the number here. Give me the Sooners -15! 

50* BALL ST/MICHIGAN *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Ball State +15.5) 

I will gladly take 15.5 points with Ball State against Michigan. I just don't know how the Wolverines can be this big a favorite against a quality Cardinals team after needing overtime to beat an awful Oakland team. The same Oakland team that lost by 52 to Xavier to open the season and the next game after Michigan lost by 43 to Purdue. Most will say that the Wolverines didn't show up for that game against Oakland. If they are as good as they say, they should have beat Oakland by 20 with their "C" game. Give me Ball State +15.5! 

40* PROVIDENCE/ALABAMA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Alabama -2) 

We cashed on Alabama last night as they came alive from behind the 3-point line in a 86-74 win over UNLV. When the Crimson Tide hit their shots from deep with the pace they play at, they are extremely tough to beat. As for Providence, I expected more out of the Friars to start this season. I just don't think they are that good. They beat a bad Fairfield team and then got routed by Indiana, who looked awful against Texas. As long as the Tide don't go ice cold we should cash easy. Give me Alabama -2! 

40* ST. JOHN'S/BYU NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (St. John's +1.5)

I made the mistake going against St. John's against BC. I won't make that mistake here against BYU. No way should the Red Storm be a dog against the Cougars. BYU started out 3-0 against a bunch of cupcakes. They finally played a good team last night in USC and got annihilated 79-53. I just don't see BYU being able to keep pace with St. John's. You got to be able to score against the Red Storm and that press attack. Give me St. John's +1.5! 

40* UNLV/ALABAMA NCAAB SLAUGHTER (Alabama -10) 

We cashed in Alabama in their opener against Jacksonville State, as they won by 24 as a 21-point favorite. Definitely had to sweat it out, but we shouldn't have. Crimson Tide shot just 7 of 31 (23%) from deep. They again couldn't buy a bucked from long distance in yesterday's loss to Stanford, going just 7 of 29 (24%) in a lopsided 82-64 loss. 

I think that setback will serve as a wakeup call for the Crimson Tide and have them 100% locked in here against a mediocre UNLV team. Rebels have allowed 44.7% shooting from deep in their first two games. Have to like Alabama getting on track here. Rebels allow 84.5 ppg and are only averaging 64.5 ppg. I just think we are getting a nice little discount on Alabama in this one. Give me the Crimson Tide -10! 

40* S DAKOTA/NEBRASKA NCAAB NO-BRAINER (Nebraska -13) 

I believe we are getting quite the discount with Nebraska. While Cornhusker fans are still waiting on football head coach Scott Frost to make them relevant again, I think we could be in for a breakout year for Nebraska under second year head coach Fred Hoiberg. 

As he did in his time with Iowa State, Hoiberg has hit the transfer portal extremely hard for a quick fix. I know it's early, but it looks like he's worked his magic in Lincoln. Dalano Banton (WKU), Teddy Allen (W Virginia), Lat Mayen (TCU), Trey McGowens (Pitt), Shamiel Stevenson (Pitt) and Kobe Webster (W Illinois) are the new faces. Banton, Allen and Webster all scored in double figures of their loss to Nevada. 

That game against the Wolf Pack really showed me something. I see no reason why Nebraska can't have their way with South Dakota, who in it's first two games have lost by 23 to Colorado and by 16 to Drake. Coyotes have really struggled to score and that doesn't figure to change in this one. Give me Nebraska -13! 

50* TEXAS/INDIANA EARLY BIRD *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Indiana -2) 

I cashed the UNDER in the Indiana/Providence game yesterday and I came away really impressed with what I saw out of that Hoosiers team. No one was really giving this Indiana team much respect coming into the year. Hoosiers weren't ranked and picked by many to finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten standings. 

I see a team to watch out for. Indiana did return 4 starters from a team that won 20 games. Beat a lot of good teams, just couldn't win on the road (a lot easier to do this year with no fans). They got a star Trayce Jackson-Davis and what looks like one of the more improved players in the conference in Race Thompson. This team just made a good Providence team look really bad. 

No disrespect to Texas, who I think is going to be a force in the Big 12, but I just don't know if they are as good as people think. They just barely held on to beat Davidson 78-76 and the stat that really stood out to me is they allowed the Wildcats to shoot 78% (21-27) on two-point shots. They also only blocked 1 shot. That tells me their defense is really lacking inside and that's a problem against this Indiana team. Give me the Hoosiers -2! 

50* TEXAS ST/MISSISSIPPI ST NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Miss St -6.5)

I think we are getting an exceptional price here on the Bulldogs as a single-digit favorite against the Bobcats. Mississippi State comes in 0-2 SU and 0-2 ATS, which has definitely created this buy-low spot. I was on Clemson in their opening loss and wasn't shocked they fell to Liberty, who has shown on multiple occasions it can hang with the middle of the pack in the Power 5. 

It's also important to note that while Mississippi State lost and failed to cover in each of their first two, they were in both of those games and could easily be 2-0. Texas State has played no body. If anything there's reason to be pessimistic with them only beating Texas A&M CC by just 12 points. I look for the size and athleticism of the Bulldogs to be too much for the Bobcats to handle. Give me Mississippi State -6.5!

40* LOYOLA MARYMOUNT/MINNESOTA NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Loyola Marymount +14) 

This is an interesting situation that I feel presents some value with the underdog. Minnesota and Loyola Marymount will be playing against each other for the second time in 3 days, as these two played each other on Friday at Minnesota. There's a Covid rule with the state that only allows the Gophers to play one opponent at home over a 3-day stretch, so that's why they are playing the Lions again. 

This situation presents itself in the NBA and there's usually value with the team who lost the first meeting. It makes sense. It will be tough for Minnesota to get up for this game having already beat this same team a couple days ago. As for Loyola, they should be fired up for this one. The Lions more than proved to themselves that they can hang with this Gophers team. They only lost by 15 and that was with Minnesota shooting over 50% from behind the 3-point line and Loyola -8 in the turnover department. Give me the Lions +14! 

40* ST. JOHN'S/BC NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Boston College PK)

I think we are getting a great price here with Boston College at only a pick'em against St. John's. The Red Storm are 2-0, but have been far from impressive with a mere 76-75 win over St. Peter's and a 82-65 win against La Salle. Both of which rank outside the Top 150 for me. 

BC is a team I had my eye on coming into this year and while they are just 1-1 to start, they have looked the part of a team on the rise. The Eagles gave Villanova all they could handle before eventually losing by 9 (67-76). They put that loss behind them and the very next day beat a good Rhode Island team 69-64. 

I also think turnovers could play a big role in this one. St John's has not taken great care of the ball, as they are averaging 18 turnovers/game. A mark that's high given the talent they have played. Eagles only average 12.5 turnovers. Give me the Eagles PK! 

40* COLORADO/K-STATE NCAAB NO-BRAINER (Colorado -5) 

I got no problem laying 5-points on the road with Colorado against a bad Kansas State team. The Wildcats were the worst team in the Big 12 a year ago and figure to remain in the basement of the conference this season. They certainly looked the part of a bottom feeder in their opener, as they lost at home to Drake by double-digits. The Buffaloes easily have the best player on the floor in senior guard McKinley Wright IV. He had 20 in Colorado's 23-point win over South Dakota in their opener. I look for the Buffs to really control this game from the start. Give me Colorado -5! 

40* UTAH ST/UNI NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Northern Iowa -2.5) 

Really tough loss with UNI yesterday, as they were in control the majority of that game and blew in the last few minutes. That's not going to stop me from taking them as a small favorite here against Utah State. I just don't see the Panthers starting out 0-3, especially against this Aggies team that has not been competitive in it's first two games. Utah State lost by 16 to VCU on Wednesday and by 24 yesterday to South Dakota State. Aggies allowed both teams to shoot over 50% from the field. I really think this line should be closer to double-digits. Give me UNI -2.5! 

40* UNI/ST. MARY'S NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Northern Iowa -1) 

I really like the value here with UNI at basically a pick'em against St. Mary's. Both teams lost their opener yesterday. The Panthers fell 87-93 to WKU, while the Gaels suffered a 73-56 loss at the hands of Memphis. 

I think St. Mary's is getting a bit of a pass for their lopsided loss because it came against a good Memphis team, but that game was never close. I also think the Gaels are overvalued coming off their great season last year. 

Keep in mind that St. Mary's lost their two best players in Jordan Ford and Malik Fitts. Ford led the team with 21.9 ppg and Fitts was second best at 16.5 ppg. No other player averaged in double-figures. They also lost 3rd leading scorer tanner Krebs. Those 3 combined to make 204 3-pointers. The rest of the team accounted for 72. No surprise the Gaels went just 1-18 from deep against memphis. 

UNI returns two All-Conference players out of the MVC and are one of the favorites to win that conference. They are going to have a massive edge from deep in this game. They were 20 of 39 from behind the 3-point line against a very good WKU team that should win C-USA. Give me the Panthers -1! 

50* NCAAB OPENING DAY *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Clemson -3.5) 

I will gladly lay a short number here with Clemson against Mississippi State. I just feel like the Bulldogs are primed to take a step back, while the Tigers are a team that is trending up in the ACC. 

Mississippi State won 20 games last year, but lost two studs in Reggie Perry and Robert Woodward. Both of which were taken recently in the NBA draft. Perry averaged 17.4 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.2 bpg. Woodward averaged 11.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.1 bpg. These are two guys that impacted the game on both sides in a big way. Perry was 6'10 and Woodward was 6'7. Hard to find big guys with that much talent when you aren't bringing in 5* recruits. 

As for Clemson, they went just 16-15 last year, but it was better than most expected. Tigers only had 1 starter back and had 3 key guys go down to injury. That to me is a sign of great coaching and some underrated guys on the roster. 

With 4 starters back and those guys that missed time a year ago, this is a Clemson team that could and should make the NCAA Tournament. Give me the Tigers -3.5! 

40* NCAAB OPENING DAY NO DOUBT ATS BLOWOUT (Alabama -20) 

Alabama was a team I was on quite a bit last year and one that I like a lot going into this season. While The Crimson Tide did lose a NBA 1st round draft pick in Kira Lewis, they have 4 starters returning and have made some key roster moves. 

Head coach Nate Oats inherited a roster that was meant to play traditional with 2 bigs, but he's more of a small ball guy that wants to push the pace and play just one big who can run, shoot and defend. He got rid of guys that didn't fit and added guys that do. I think we could see Alabama play even faster this year. 

I don't think Jacksonville State has the slightest idea of what they are about to be up against. The Jaguars only went 13-19 last season and lost 4 of 5 starters from that team. With the pace of play that Alabama plays at, I think the margin here could get out of hand. Give me the Crimson Tide -20! 

40* NCAAB NO DOUBT ATS KNOCKOUT (Indiana -14) 

I'll take my chances here with the Hoosiers laying double-digits against Nebraska in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. I played against the Cornhuskers in their finale at Minnesota, which they lost by a final score of 107-75 to a struggling Gophers team. Indiana has lost 3 of 4, but two of those were on the road to Illinois and Purdue and the other was a game they should have won at home against Wisconsin. 

Big reason I played against Nebraska in the finale against Minnesota is guards Dachon Burke Jr and Cam Mack were both suspended. Burke is definitely out and Mack is also not expected to play. Cornhuskers had little chance with those guys on the floor and without them they would need to shoot lights out to keep this close. Give me the Hoosiers -14!

50* NCAAB VEGAS SHARP MONEY TOP PLAY (Oklahoma State -6.5) 

I'll gladly take my chances here with the Cowboys as a 6.5-point favorite against the Cyclones. Iowa State is way down this year and have really struggled down the stretch after losing by far their best player in Tyrese Haliburton. Now they are likely to play without 2nd leading scorer Rasir Bolton and 4th leading scoring Prentiss Nixon figures to be playing at less than 100%. Note that any success ISU has had of late is on the road and while the Big 12 tournament has often felt like a home game for the Cyclones, I don't see it this year with how bad the team is. Oklahoma State started out 0-6 in Big 12 play, but finished 7-5 over their last 12 conference games and have won 3 straight going into this one. Give me the Cowboys -6.5! 

40* UNC/VA TECH ACC TOURNAMENT NO-BRAINER (UNC -4) 

I'll take my chances here with the Tar Heels winning by 5 or more in the opening round of the ACC Tournament. You won't find many teams that go 6-14 in conference play, who enter their conference tournament with more confidence than UNC. The Tar Heels got healthy down the stretch and more than showed they can hang with the big boys in the ACC. Given that they have to win the ACC Tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament, the Tar Heels are going to play inspired. Va Tech needed double-overtime to beat UNC back on Jan. 22 and the Tar Heels were down both Cole Anthony and Brandon Robinson. UNC is simply the more talented team and playing the better basketball. Give me the Tar Heels -4! 

40* NCAAB PUBLIC MONEY ATS MASSACRE (Iowa +3.5) 

I'll take my chances here with the Hawkeyes as a 3.5-point home dog against the Fighting Illini. A double-bye is on the line in the Big Ten Tournament and while Illinois has been tough at home, I just feel that Iowa is the better team. Hawks also will have had two more days to prepare, as they last played on Tuesday, while the Illini had to travel to Ohio STate on Thursday. I played the Buckeyes in that game, as I wasn't buying the recent 4-game win streak for Illinois. I just don't think the offense is good enough to hang with what should be an extremely motivated Iowa side. Also got to love this line, as it's begging the public to take Illini as a small home favorite. Give me Iowa +3.5! 

40* NCAAB NO DOUBT ATS BLOWOUT (Tulsa +6.5) 

I'll take my chances here with the Golden Hurricane at least covering the 6.5-point spread at Wichita State and wouldn't be shocked at all if Tulsa won this game outright. With a win here the Golden Hurricane can clinch the outright AAC regular-season title. I think they are the better offensive team and statistically are the top defense in the American. Wichita State is getting a lot of love for their great home record, but a lot of their success at home came early in the year. Give me Tulsa +6.5! 

40* NCAAB BLOCKBUSTER ATS SLAUGHTER (Texas A&M +3) 

I'll take my chances with the Aggies as a home dog against the Razorbacks. Texas A&M has really been playing well down the stretch. They are 4-2 over their last 6 games with their only two losses coming on the road at LSU and at home against Kentucky. They just won at Auburn in their last game. Arkansas is off a big home win over LSU and have to be running on fumes here. AFter playing a game against Georgia last Saturday that saw 188 combined points, their game against the Tigers 3 days ago had 189. Razorbacks have also lost 4 straight on the road. Give me Texas A&M +3!

40* NCAAB PUBLIC MONEY ATS MASSACRE (Kansas State -5.5)

I'll take my chances here with the Wildcats as a 5.5-point home favorite against the Cyclones. I've been fading ISU on the reg on the road since they lost Haliburton. They are just 2-8 ATS away from home on the season and have not been competitive away from home without their best player. Big reason we are getting value with K-State is the Wildcats come in having lost 10 straight. That losing streak comes to an end on senior day. Give me Kansas State -5.5! 

50* NCAAB VEGAS SHARP MONEY TOP PLAY (USC -2.5) 

I'll gladly take my chances here with the Trojans as a small home favorite against the Bruins. I've been on UCLA a ton down the stretch with a lot of success, but I feel like it's time to jump ship and fade them in this spot. USC is an outstanding home team and are finally back healthy. USC already beat UCLA on the road and defensively they made life miserable for the Bruins. Given how good the Trojans defense has been of late on their home floor, I see no reason why they shouldn't find a way to win this game. Give me USC -2.5!