LATE NIGHT NCAAB BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The St. Mary's Gaels and the BYU Cougars have split two close games this season, but I like BYU to win and cover the spread in this West Coast Conference Tournament semifinal matchup in Las Vegas Monday night. 

The Gaels needed double-overtime to get past Pepperdine on Saturday while BYU put an 81-64 beating on that same Pepperdine team last time out on Feb 29. BYU should have plenty of energy saved up for this one while heavy legs could become an issue for the Gaels. 

The Gaels are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games overall and 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games as an underdog while the Cougars are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games overall and 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games as a favorite.

10* play on BYU. 

TOP RATED NCAAB PLAY OF THE DAY

I like the Connecticut Huskies to come through as a favorite over the Tulane Green Wave in their AAC regular-season finale on Sunday. The Green Wave sit dead last in the conference at 4-13 while Connecticut owns a decent 9-8 record. 

The Huskies have closed out the season on fire, coming off four straight wins including a 77-71 upset win over Houston last time out. They've scored an average of 80 ppg during that winning streak while Tulane's offense is one of the worst in the nation with just 68.1 ppg on average throughout the season. 

While Connecticut was in action just three days ago, Tulane last played on Feb 29, a 74-67 OT loss to Memphis. I would not be surprised if the home team might take a while to get up to speed again, and by that time the Huskies should have already built up a sizable lead. UConn won the first matchup this year in Storrs 67-61, and I expect an even larger victory margin in this one. 

10* play on Connecticut. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB) - TOP RATED ACC TOTAL

The North Carolina Tar Heels have scored 85+ points in three straight games and they're 5-1 to the over in their last six. As for the Duke Blue Devils, they're coming off an 88-69 triumph over NC State and five of their last six games have gone over the total. Duke is 13-4 to the over in all home games on the season and 5-2 to the over when the total is 150 to 159.5 points. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): TOP RATED PAC-12 SIDE

The red hot UCLA Bruins head into this contest riding a seven-game winning streak and they're 5-1-1 ATS during that stretch and winning four of those seven straight up as underdogs. On the season, the Bruins are 8-4 ATS as an underdog and I think they'll keep it close here in this Pac-12 matchup with the USC Trojans. Note that at 12-5, UCLA is battling Oregon for the Pac-12 title while USC is "only" 10-7 in conference play. The Trojans are coming off back-to-back wins, but they had lost two consecutive games prior to the current winning streak and they're 9-8 ATS as a favorite this season. 

10* play on UCLA Bruins. 

TGIF MVC TOURNAMENT *TOP PLAY*

The Missouri State Bears have covered the spread in seven of their last eight overall, the lone exception a blowout loss at Valparaiso. Last time out they put an 84-59 beating on Southern Illinois and they're 9-0 ATS after allowing 60 points or fewer this season. As for Indiana State, while the team is coming off four straight wins (3-0-1 ATS), note that it took a 71-58 loss to Missouri State in the last meeting on Feb 16. I like the Bears to come through in this Missouri Valley Conference quarterfinal matchup. 

10* play on Missouri State. 

BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Butler Bulldogs are heading into the weekend off three consecutive losses, but I like their chances of not only winning straight up but also covering the number in this matchup with DePaul. This is a big bounce back spot for Butler who took an 81-59 beating at No. 11 Creighton last time out and it'll also look to avenge a 13-point loss at DePaul last month. The Blue Demons have won just two Big East games all season and they've covered the spread in only one of their last six games. 

10* play on Butler. 

FRIDAY NIGHT SUN BELT BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Georgia Southern Eagles have won four of their last six games and put an 81-61 beating on Utah as a 5-point road underdog last time out. They average a healthy 75.1 ppg on the season, and I like them to keep even pace with the Georgia State Panthers in this one. Georgia State is coming off back-to-back road losses SU and ATS, and while it won by five points at Georgia Southern last month, note that it was losing straight up for most of the game and only managed to pull away late. 

10* play on Georgia Southern. 

THURSDAY NIGHT BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Northwestern Wildcats are just 4-10 SU (3-11 ATS) at home. Last time out they took an 83-57 beating by Minnesota here at Welsh-Ryan Arena and they're 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games following a double-digit loss at home. As for the Illinois Fighting Illini, they're coming off back-to-back triumphs, including a road win at Penn State. Illinois is 6-2 ATS in its last eight road games vs. a team with a losing home record and needs a win here to stay in the hunt for its first Big Ten regular-season title in 15 years. 

10* play on Illinois. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED BIG TEN TOTAL

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are an underdog at Penn State Nittany Lions Wednesday night, and for a good reason in my opinion. 

The Lions are third in the Big Ten despite back-to-back losses and can simply not afford to drop this one. On the season, Penn State is 12-2 (8-5-1 ATS) as a home favorite it'll be looking to avenge a double-digit loss to Rutgers on the road last month.

Penn State is holding opponents to 62.0 ppg home at Bryce Jordan Center, and while Rutgers is holding opponents to 62.2 ppg overall, note that the number jumps to 69.5 ppg allowed on the road where the team is just 1-7 SU. 

10* play on Penn State. 

TOP RATED WEST VIRGINIA @ TEXAS NCAAB PLAY OF THE DAY,

The West Virginia Mountaineers have dropped four of their last five straight up and they're 2-6 ATS in their last eight games. On the season, they're 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS in true road games, and I think they're asked to cover way too many points against the Longhorns in Austin, Texas Monday night. 

Texas is coming off a solid 70-59 victory as a 5.5-point underdog at Kansas State to make it back-to-back wins. They've played terrific defense in recent weeks and should be to able to fend off the slumping Mountaineers.

10* play on Texas Longhorns. 

BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Creighton Bluejays are red hot with eight straight-up wins in their last nine games and a 7-2 ATS record. That stretch includes impressive triumph over  No. 19 Marquette, No. 13 Villanova and No. 14 Seton Hall and I think they'll win and cover the spread against Butler on Sunday. 

The Bulldogs have not been at their best lately with just two wins in their last six games (1-4-1 ATS). This game means a lot for the Bluejays who sit only one game out of first place in the Big East, and it's also a revenge game after a 14-point loss at Hinkle Fieldhouse last month. 

10* play on Creighton. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE FOR FEBRUARY

The Boston College Eagles have covered the spread in four of their last six overall, but they came up short in a 78-65 loss at Virginia last time out and I don't see them keeping pace with Clemson in this Saturday night matchup. 

The Tigers have averaged 83 ppg in impressive back-to-back upset wins over Pittsburgh and Louisville and they're one of the best defensive teams in the ACC while Boston College averages only 64.9 ppg on the season. 

We can also note that Clemson has had six days to prepare for this contest while Boston College last played two days ago and this will be the Eagles' third game in just seven days. Look for Clemson to run away with this game. 

10* play on Clemson Tigers. 

MIDWEEK MADNESS ACC ANNIHILATOR *TOP PLAY*

The No. 11 Louisville Cardinals are coming off back-to-back losses, first at Georgia Tech and most recently an embarrassing setback at Clemson. They had reeled off 10 straight triumphs before that and defeated Virginia 80-73 last time out home at KFC Yum! Center to improve to 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10 as a home favorite. 

The Orange have lost four of their last five and took an 80-77 loss at FSU on Saturday. They're 1-5 ATS after allowing 80 points or more and this won't be easy against a Louisville team that averages 77.2 ppg in their own building and ranks 11th in the nation for 3-point shooting home & away combined. 

The home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings between these two teams and I think the cardinals will put a real beating on Syracuse Wednesday night. 

10* play on Louisville Cardinals. 

MONDAY NIGHT CBB BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Kansas Jayhawks put an 81-70 beating on Oklahoma last time out, but I predict a much lower-scoring contest when they host the Iowa State Cyclones Monday night. 

The Jayhawks have a truly elite defense that ranks eighth in the nation for points allowed, and I think they'll clamp down on the defensive end in this one after a subpar defensive outing against the Sooners. Kansas is 6-2 to the under when the total is 140 to 149.5 points this season and 16-8 to the under overall. 

The first meeting of the season back in January wasn’t pretty for Iowa State as Kansas put a 79-53 beating on the Cyclones. Iowa State is coming off an 81-52 rout of Texas, but points will be much harder to come by in this one and I expect to see the final score stay under the posted total.   

10* on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED CBB PLAY OF THE DAY

The No. 16 Villanova Wildcats look like a solid road favorite in this non-league contest at Temple on Sunday. Nova is 0-3-1 ATS in its last four games, but at least it snapped an 0-3 SU skid with a 72-71 win against Marquette last time out. 

Getting a break from the Big East schedule could be just what the team needs, and here it'll face an Owls side that might feel a bit too good about itself after winning three of four. I'm not convinced the Owls will be ready for what Nova will throw at them. 

The Wildcats are 3-0 SU (2-1 ATS) as road favorites on the season and the favorite is 12-2 ATS in the last 14 head-to-head meetings with Temple. 

10* play on Villanova. 

LSU @ ALABAMA SATURDAY CBB *TOP PLAY*

The Alabama Crimson Tide have dropped four of their last five games after taking a tough overtime loss to Auburn on Wednesday. They've covered the number in only two of their last six and have had trouble stopping opponents from scoring. That does not bode well for this matchup against a dynamic LSU team that bounced back from road losses at Vanderbilt and Auburn with an 82-79 triumph over Missouri last time out. 

LSU is 3-0 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less or a pick'em on the season and 7-1 ATS in such spots over the last three seasons. Additionally, the Tigers put a 90-76 beating on the Tide as a 5.5-point favorite in Baton Rouge earlier this season. 

10* play on LSU Tigers. 

NCAAB BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Central Florida Knights are 8-4 SU at home this season but 1-4 ATS in their last five games as a home underdog. The visiting Wichita State Shockers are 3-3 SU on the road this season but 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

The Shockers have covered the number in only one of their last eight games overall while winning only three of those eight outright, but I think they should be able to keep a limited UCF offense at bay in this one, particularly after taking an embarrassing 76-43 loss at No. 19 Houston on Sunday. Central Florida on the other hand is in a potential letdown spot following two straight wins (both as favorites).  

Wichita State won the first meeting of the season 87-79 on Jan 25 and it has won four straight head-to-head matchups with UCF. 

10* play on Wichita State Shockers. 

PENN STATE @ PURDUE TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Purdue Boilermakers own a top 10 scoring defense in the nation and they're also one of the slowest at just 67.8 possessions per game. They've allowed 68 or fewer points in three straight games and they're allowing just 57 points per game home at Mackey Arena on the season. Five of their last six overall have gone over the total, but I think the bookmakers have overadjusted the number for this one. 

The No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions are one of the hottest teams in the conference, but while they're capable of putting up but numbers, there's no doubt that the Lions can play D as well. Additionally, we can note that they're 4-1 to the under in their last five games. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S BAYLOR @ TEXAS *TOP PLAY*

The No. 1 Baylor Bears put a 59-44 beating on the Longhorns in Waco just over a month ago, and I predict another Baylor win at Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX Monday night. Baylor is holding opponents to 59.0 ppg on the season and Texas has struggled to score for the better part of the season, and even more so in recent games putting up just 58 and 57 points respectively in its last two contests. 

The Longhorns have dropped five of their last seven, and while Baylor hasn't been at its best in the last two games (2-0 SU, 0-2 ATS) I expect the Bears to come motivated for this one. 

Bears are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 9-2 ATS away from home on the season. Longhorns are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games.

10* play on Baylor. 

OHIO STATE @ WISCONSIN BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Wisconsin riding a three-game winning streak. They've held opponents to 59, 59 and 58 points during that stretch and are 10-1 ATS after allowing 60 points or less on the season. 

As for the Badgers, they've dropped three of their last four after taking a 70-52 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday, They're 1-5 ATS after scoring 60 points or less this season and they've covered the spread in only one of their last seven games overall. 

The Buckeyes will be well up for this one after dropping a 61-57 decision to the Badgers in Columbus last month, and I expect them to get revenge today. 

10* play on Ohio State. 

WEST VIRGINIA @ OKLAHOMA BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The West Virginia Mountaineers have a top-20 scoring defense in the nation and have held their last two opponents to an average of 59 points. They're 15-7 to the under on the season and 6-2 to the under in their last eight road games. 

As for the Oklahoma Sooners, they've struggled to shoot the ball lately (63.2 ppg average last five games). Eight of their last 10 overall and each of their last six games closing as an underdog have gone under the total. I think they'll struggle to get open looks against this solid West Virginia team and that we'll see the final score stay under the posted total with quite some margin. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MARYLAND @ ILLINOIS BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

There is a lot at stake in this contest as with both teams at 8-3, the winner of this one will take sole command of the Big Ten conference. 

No. 21 Illinois took a 72-65 loss against 17th-ranked Iowa on Sunday, its first setback in a month. The Fighting Illini are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a straight up loss and I like them to bounce back here. The No. 9 Maryland Terrapins have won five straight following a 56-51 triumph over Rutgers, but it wasn't pretty and the Terps trailed by five at the half. 

The Terps won the first meeting 59-58 win Dec. 7, but they're 1-3-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record and Illinois should be able to put up an even better fight in its own building. 

10* play on Illinois. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): TOP RATED TOTAL *MAJOR WAGER*

I expect to see a relatively low-scoring affair when the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Thursday night. 

Louisiana Tech owns a top-25 scoring defense in the nation on the season, and the total for this contest is inflated after four straight overs through a four-game winning streak. Five of its previous six had gone under though and under is 25-12-1 in the Bulldogs last 38 road games. 

As for the Hilltoppers, they've alternated over and unders through their last four games, and we can note that they're 11-4 to the under in their last 15 games as a home underdog (WK is a 1.5-point dog at the time of this pick). 

Louisiana Tech came away with a 62-50 home win against Western Kentucky in the lone meeting last season and while more points is expected for this one, I doubt it'll reach the posted total.

10* play on UNDER. 

BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The No. 13 Seton Hall Pirates are 3-1 SU and ATS as favorites of fewer than five points this season, and I like them to win and cover at Georgetown Wednesday night. We can also note that they'll be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 74-62 home loss as an 8.5-point favorite against Xavier to close out a three-game road trip and that Seton Hall is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 road games following three or more consecutive home games and 7-0 ATS in its last seven games following a double-digit loss at home.

As for the Hoyas, they just snapped a three-game SU and ATS skid with a 73-72 upset win at St. John's which sets up a potential let down spot tonight. 

10* play on Seton Hall. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): TOP RATED BIG TEN SIDE *WHITE HOT 11-0 RUN*

The No. 9 Maryland Terrapins have won four on the bounce and seven of their last nine games, including an impressive 82-72 victory against No. 17 Iowa on Thursday. They're 6-2-1 ATS during that nine-game stretch and I think they'll win and cover the line when hosting Rutgers in Big Ten action Tuesday night. 

The Scarlet Knights took a 69-63 loss to Michigan last time out and while their defense is one of the best in the conference, they'll find it hard to slow down a Maryland team that is humming on all cylinders and has scored 77 points or more in three straight games. 

The Terps are a perfect 5-0 ATS as a home favorite of fewer than 10 points on the season and I'm counting on them to remain perfect after this contest.

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NCAAB): MIKE'S REG SEASON SIDE *MAJOR WAGER*

The Illinois Fighting Illini are coming off back-to-back underdog wins on the road, and now they return home to State Farm Center where they're 11-1 SU on the season. 

They've failed to cover the spread in two straight games in their own building, but I think the Illini will get the job done here against a Minnesota team that has lost two of its last three, has failed to cover the number in both losses and averaged only 56.6 ppg through those three games. 

The Gophers are 2-6-1 ATS in their losses on the season while Illinois is 9-4-1 ATS in its victories. As I expect Illinois to win this game outright, I think it's a fair assumption that they'll cover the spread. 

10* play on Illinois. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NCAAB *MAJOR WAGER* TOP PLAY

The No. 23 Penn State Nittany Lions are 10-1 SU at home on the season and 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 home games. Here they'll host an Indiana team that is 1-3 SU and ATS on the road on the season and most likely not in a good mood after taking a home loss to Maryland last time out. 

The Nittany Lions' offense ranks top 50 in the nation and they are coming off back-to-back underdog wins over Ohio State and Michigan. "I really think we’re starting to play our best basketball heading into February," Penn State coach Patrick Chambers told reporters. "We’re really starting to click and play well."

The home team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five head-to-head meetings and Penn State will be well up for this after losing the last four matchups straight up, including a tough two-point home loss last year. 

10* play on Penn State Nittany Lions. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER

The No. 17 Butler Bulldogs snapped a three-game skid with an 89-85 OT win over Marquette last time out. I think they'll make it two in a row when visiting the Georgetown Hoyas Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win and they'll face a Hoyas side that has lost three of its last four and two on the bounce. Georgetown put up just 57 points in a nine-point loss at Xavier last time out and points won't come easy against this Butler team that has held opponents to 59.4 (8th) ppg on the season. 

Additionally, we can note that the road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 head-to-head meetings and that Butler has won four straight games at Georgetown. 

10* play on Butler Bulldogs. 

WISCONSIN @ IOWA BIG 10 BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes are 11-1 SU at home on the season and they had covered the spread in seven straight home games prior to a push in an 85-80 win over Rutgers last time out. Here they'll host a Wisconsin team that took a 70-51 beating at Purdue Friday night and the Badgers are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. Wisconsin has a top 20 defense in the nation, but I think the team will struggle to slow down an Iowa side that averages 80.2 ppg. 

10* play on Iowa Hawkeyes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The West Virginia Mountaineers and the Missouri Tigers are both 12-6 to the under on the season, and both teams rank in the top 30 in the nation for points allowed. Additionally, Missouri has struggled to score points through a 1-5 slide and it'll face a West Virginia side that has held four of its last five opponents to fewer than 60 points. 

Under is 6-0 in Missouri games when the total is 130 to 139.5 points and 3-0 in West Virginia's games fitting the same criteria. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NCAAB MLK DAY TOP PLAY - LATE START

The Baylor Bears have the sixth best scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 58.6 ppg. They're coming off a high-scoring 75-68 win at Oklahoma State but had played four straight unders prior to that. Here they'll face an Oklahoma team that also had played four straight unders prior to an 83-63 loss to TCU. Under is 7-3 in Sooners last 10 games as a road underdog and 6-1 in Bears last 7 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NCAAB TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The No. 16 Wichita State's explosive offense averages 77.6 ppg on the season and the Shockers have poured in points through a nine-game winning streak. Here they'll take on a Temple side that has dropped three straight games and surrendered 70+ points in two of those contests. While Temple is a fairly low-scoring team, Wichita State has weaknesses on the defensive end that can be exploited. 

Over is 9-1 in Shockers last 10 overall. Over is 6-2 in Shockers' last 8 games as a road favorite. Over is 6-0 in Owls last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB: MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR JANUARY

I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring game when the Ohio State Buckeyes visit the Indiana Hoosiers in college basketball action Saturday afternoon. The Buckeyes are 4-1 to the under through their last five games and 10-5 to the under on the season. They've been held to fewer than 60 points in three straight contests and shot just 31% from the field in a 55-67 loss to Maryland on Tuesday. As for Indiana, it defeated Northwestern 66-62 last time out to make it 4-0 to the under through its last four games. 

10* play on UNDER. 

BUTLER @ PROVIDENCE BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Providence Friars are on fire with four straight wins and they won outright as a six-point underdog at Marquette on Tuesday. I think they have a great shot at winning this one against a Butler team that routed Creighton last time out, but that contest took place almost a week ago so the team is at risk of coming out sluggish here.

Additionally, note that the Friars won all three meetings last season and the home team is is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

10* play on Providence Friars. 

PROVIDENCE @ MARQUETTE NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Providence Friars have opened Big East play with triumphs over Georgetown and DePaul. I think they'll give the Marquette a scare here as the Golden Eagles are in a sandwich spot, coming off a win over then-10th ranked Villanova and tougher matchups on deck, first at Seton Hall and then at home against Xavier. While Marquette has impressed home at Fiserv Forum, I think this game will be closer than the point spread would suggest. 

8* play on Providence. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED AFTERNOON SIDE

I'm happy to take the points on the Virginia Tech Hokies when they visit the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday. Virginia has the top rated defense in the nation, but scoring on VT isn't easy either with the team limiting opponents to 61.1 ppg. Virginia has been asked to cover inflated spreads all season long and is a result only 3-9 ATS with only nine covers through its last 10 games. The Hokies must be feeling pretty good about themselves and ready for a road game following four straight home wins. They're 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games following three or more consecutive home games and I'm looking for the visitors to keep this relatively close. 

10* play on Virginia Tech. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE FOR DECEMBER

The Temple Owls took a tough one-point defeat to Miami-Florida on Dec 17, but they bounced back with a dominant 78-66 triumph over Rider four days later. I like them to pick up another win here against a UFC side that saw a six-game winning streak come to an end with a one-point loss of its own at Oklahoma on Dec 21. The Knights covered the spread, but this won't be an easy matchup against an Owl team that is 10th in the nation in defensive field goal percentage and 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games. 

10* play on Temple. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR DECEMBER

The Florida Gators shot just 32 percent from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range in a 65-62 setback to Utah State last time out. I expect them to have much more success here against a Long Beach State side that is allowing 78.0 ppg and gave up 79 in a loss at Seattle on Dec 23.

Over is 6-1 in Beach last 7 road games and 5-1 in Gators last 6 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): TOP RATED SIDE *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The LSU Tigers have scored 90+ points in three of their last four games, all wins SU and ATS. The East Tennessee St. Buccaneers on the other hand may have won four of their last five straight up, but they're just 0-4 ATS in lined games during that stretch. 

LSU has been shooting lights out home at Maravich Assembly Center all season, coming into this contest with a perfect 6-0 SU record and four straight covers ATS. ETSU took a 78-68 loss as a 3.5-point favorite at North Dakota State it's last time out on the road, and I don't see the visitors keeping pace with the home side in what will be a hostile environment. 

10* play on LSU Tigers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR DECEMBER

The Missouri State Bears are coming off an 86-62 win over Mississippi Valley State and three of their last four games have gone over the total. They struggled to defend the perimeter last time out though as their opponent was allowed to go 8-of-17 (47%) from behind the arc. Here they'll face an Arkansas State side that shot 43% from deep last time out and is shooting a respectable 37.1 percent from 3-point land on the season. Additionally, the Red Wolves have scored 70+ points in five of their last seven games. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED MICHIGAN @ LOUISVILLE CBB PLAY OF THE DAY

The No. 5 Michigan Wolverines and the top-ranked Louisville Cardinals will put undefeated 7-0 records on the line at KFC Yum! Center Tuesday night. The Cardinals are a home favorite, but while they're 5-0 SU at home they're just 1-4 against the spread. The Michigan Wolverines are a perfect 4-0 against the spread in their last four games with impressive underdog wins against North Carolina and Gonzaga to claim the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Louisville has been favored by double-digits in all games since opening the season as a 6.5-point fav at Miami. I'm not sure it is prepared for the fight Michigan will bring into this game. 

10* play on Michigan. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED CANCUN CHALLENGE TOTAL

The South Carolina Gamecocks have scored 70+ points in three straight games that all went over the total. I think points will be harder to come by here in their semifinal matchups of the Cancun Challenge as they'll face a Wichita State team that has held back-to-back opponents to fewer than 60 points and has held all five opponents to fewer than 63 points this season.  

Over/under is 2-8 in South Carolina's last 10 games on a neutral court game where the total is 130 to 134.5 and all but one of the Shockers' five games this season have gone under the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

EARLY TOP-RATED CAYMAN ISLANDS CLASSIC *TOP PLAY*

The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers are coming off back-to-back wins and were 9-for-16 (56.2%) from 3-point range in an 85-62 win over Indiana-Purdue on Wednesday. They've scored 85 points in back-to-back games and I think they'll take care of business here against a South Florida team that had lost two straight including a 17-point loss as a 17-point favorite over Indiana-Purdue, prior to defeating Wofford last time out. The Bulls are averaging only 63.0 ppg and I don't see how they're going to be able to keep up with the Ramblers firepower. 

10* play on Loyola-Chicago. 

TOP RATED LATE NIGHT COLLEGE BASKETBALL BAILOUT

Oregon is putting its undefeated 3-0 record on the line aginast Texas-Arlington Sunday night, but I don't expect this to be much of a test for the Ducks. 

They've covered the spread in back-to-back games since coming up just short of the number in their season opener, including a solid 82-74 win over No. 15 Memphis in the Phil Knight Invitational. Here they'll face a Mavericks team that took an 80-73 loss at Nevada last time out in its first road game of the season. Nevada shot just 34.4% from the field in that contest and such shooting won't keep it close here.

The Ducks have been money for quite some time dating back to last season, going Ducks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall and 11-0 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on Oregon Ducks. 

TOP RATED CBB PLAY OF THE DAY *SUPER EARLY*

The Columbia Lions are coming off their first win of the season, but they're not expected to stand much of a chance when visiting the undefeated defending national champions Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday. 

Virginia has played lockdown defense in its first two games of the season, holding Syracuse and James Madison to 34 points each. With Columbia relying heavy on senior guard Mike Smith (21.3 ppg, 5.3 apg) I don't think the Cavs will have any trouble to cage the Lions. 

Note that Virginia is 2-0 against the spread despite shooting just 39.3% from the field and a woeful 16% from beyond the arc. I expect them to find their range resulting in better shooting here in their second home game of the season, and the visitors should find it extremely tough to keep up in this one. 

10* play on Virginia Cavaliers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

The No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs have opened the season with three home triumphs, winning each by 30+ points. They'll hit the road to take on the Texas A&M Aggies for their first away game of the season Friday night, and I think they'll run the home team out of the building. 

Texas A&M is a perfect 2-0 SU following victories over Louisiana Monroe and Northwestern St., but they've far from impressed and failed to cover the spread in both. Gonzaga on the other hand has covered point spreads of 29+ points in their last two games and I think the Bulldogs will look forward to facing a "tougher" opponent.

Bulldogs are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Bulldogs are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Aggies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE 'MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

I like the Fairfield Stags to keep it close and maybe even pull off an outright upset against the Massachusetts Minutemen on Saturday. 

Fairfield is coming off three straight defeats, but they did cover the spread in a four-point loss against Bucknell last time out. They're 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games, and here they'll face a Massachusetts side that is 5-15-1 ATS in its last 21 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 4-14 ATS in their last 18 games of a favorite of three points or more. 

Additionally, note Massachusetts' awful 47.1 shooting percentage from the charity stripe which could become a big issue at the late stages of a close game, I think we have a good case for the home team in this matchup. 

10* play on Fairfield. 

TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Texas Tech Red Raiders' elite defense has shut down some of the most explosive offenses in the nation on their way to the NCAA Tournament Championship Game. They held Michigan State to 15-of-47 (31.9%) shooting from the field in their 61-51 triumph in the semifinals, and I like Texas Tech to come through with another upset win here in the final against Virginia. The Cavaliers have not impressed on their way to the final and needed three last-second free throws to beat Auburn 63-62 in the last round. They've covered the spread in only two of their last six games.  

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY SIDE

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have defeated both Michigan and Gonzaga straight up as underdogs on their way to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. I think they look good to at the very least cover the spread here against the Michigan State Spartans. 

The Red Raiders own an elite defense and rarely turn over the ball which should lead to a slow game, bad news for a Spartans team that is at its best in fast-paced contests. This will be Michigan State's first time against the Red Raiders D, and I don't think they have the key to unlock it. 

Texas Tech shut down the nation’s top scoring offense (Gonzaga) in the Elite Eight round while shooting 39.1% (9-for-23) from behind the arc in its 75-69 win.

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

TOP RATED 10* ELITE EIGHT PLAY OF THE DAY

This will no doubt be an interesting contest with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who own the nation's No. 1 offense, taking on Texas Tech Red Raiders and their top rated defense. 

The Zags have won their two recent games by double-digits to advance to the Elite Eight. They average 88.2 points per game while shooting 52.8 percent from the field, but can also play D as shown in their 72-58 victory over Florida State in the Sweet 16. They forced 14 turnovers while holding the Seminoles to 39.3 percent shooting from the field, including 3-of-20 from 3-point range. 

The Bulldogs have already faced several tough teams like Duke, North Carolina and Tennessee in the non-conference play, which might've served as important lessons. "We saw early on, Tennessee and North Carolina were physical and athletic in both the offensive and defensive end, and I think it prepared us a lot," said guard Zach Norvell Jr. "And also us taking those losses, we understood what it took to come out with a game like that -- you want to bring the fight to them and be more physical for 40 minutes."

Texas Tech completely shut down Michigan in a 63-44 rout last time out but will find it tough to slow down Gonzaga's explosive offense.

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

The Virginia Tech Hokis beat the Duke Blue Devils 77-72 home in Blacksburg back in February. 

Duke freshman Zion Williamson missed that contest, but he's back here and has together with RJ Barrett combined for 99 points through the first two rounds of the Big Dance.

Now, I can see why the public like VT here as Duke has looked sluggish lately, and the line has dropped since the opener, but I don't think the undersized Hokies will have any chance of stopping a fired up and physically superior Duke team with revenge on its mind. 

10* play on Duke Blue Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* SWEET 16 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Gonzaga Bulldogs handled their first two opponents in the NCAA Tournament with ease, first brushing off Fairleigh Dickinson by almost 40 points followed by a 12-point win over Baylor. They failed to cover the spread against the Bears but are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss. We can also note that Gonzaga is 20-12 ATS as a favorite this season. 

Here the Bulldogs will face a Florida State Seminoles side that also is coming off a pair of dominant displays, but this is a big step up in competition compared to beating up on Vermont and Murray State.

These teams met in the Sweet 16 a season ago, with the Seminoles besting the Bulldogs 75-60. This is payback time for the Zags as their offensive firepower will prove too much for FSU to handle. 

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY NIGHT NIT ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been money against the spread lately and had covered in four straight games prior to coming up just short in their 80-76 win over Butler in the first round of the NIT. 

The No. 4 seed is 8-2 ATS in non-conference games on the season and pumped up for the NIT tournament. "Last year, we felt like it was a letdown to be in the NIT because of the season we had, winning 23 games, fourth in the Big Ten," Isaiah Roby told reporters. I'm not going to lie the locker room was down about playing in the NIT. This year, we went to Chicago (Big Ten Tournament) and we feel like we earned our spot in the NIT. This year we are definitely playing to win it all."

The top-seeded TCU Horned Frogs meanwhile probably felt they should be competing in the Big Dance and didn't look particularly sharp in their win over Sam Houston State last time out. The Horned Frogs are 3-7 ATS through their last 10 games and I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose this one outright. 

10* play on Nebraska Cornhuskers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY SIDE

A late run allowed the Baylor Bears to get past Syracuse in their first-round matchup. They are thrown a much bigger punch here in the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs who made light work of their first round opponent. 

The Zags took a 60-47 loss as a 15-point favorite against St. Mary’s in the WCC Tournament title game but bounced back with an 87-49 rout of Fairleigh Dickinson Thursday night. 

Gonzaga has been asked to cover big spreads all season long and has rarely disappointed, going 22-12 ATS in games as a 14-point favorite or more. 

The Bears are just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games overall while the Bulldogs are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points and 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. teams from the Big 12.

Baylor is a decent team defensively, but has nowhere near the offensive firepower to compete with Gonzaga. 

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

TOP RATED THURSDAY NIGHT NCAA TOURNEY BOOKIE BREAKER

Neither of these two teams played particularly well down the stretch with Baylor Bears losing each of their last four and Syracuse going 4-6 in its last 10 games, but note that two of those losses came against Duke ...

The Orange have performed alright against the spread lately and are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up loss and 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 Thursday games. They'll be without PG Frank Howard, who has been suspended indefinitely for "a violation of athletic department policy." The Bears meanwhile have really struggled since losing Tristan Clark, a 6-foot-9 forward, to an ACL injury and are 1-8-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall. 

Baylor ranks 264th in the nation in offensive turnover percentage and I think it'll struggle to put points on the board against a Syracuse team that ranks 10th nationally in defensive turnovers forced.

10* play on Syracuse Orange. 

TOP RATED WEDNESDAY NIGHT NCAA TOURNEY NO-BRAINER

The Arizona State Sun Devils look like a solid favorite here in their First Four matchup with the St. John’s Red Storm in Dayton, Ohio Wednesday night.

Arizona State has won six of its last eight, only losing to a surging Oregon team twice including an OT loss in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. The Sun Devils are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a straight up loss and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. They recorded some big wins during the regular season, including victories over Kansas, Utah State, Washington, Mississippi State and Utah State.

Here they'll face a St. John's team that shot just 32.8% from the floor as it fell to Marquette in the second round of its conference tournament and has lost four of its last five games. We can also note that St. John owns the 12th worst offensive rebounding percentage in the nation and is one of the worst defensive squads in this year's Tournament. 

Arizona State is out-rebounding opponents by 4.8 a game and should be able to out-muscle this Red Storm team to advance to the next round and face Buffalo in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday. 

10* play on Arizona State Sun Devils. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* SIDE

The Houston Cougars have averaged a scorching hot 86.3 ppg through a three-game winning streak. They're however not all about offense, as they also boast one of the best defenses in the nation entering this contest 10th in scoring defense and 2nd in defensive FG%. 

The Cougars limited the UConn Huskies to 26-percent shooting from the field in a 84-45 rout Friday afternoon, and I think they'll come through with another complete effort here against the Memphis Tigers Saturday afternoon.  

They'll face a Memphis team that is playing its best basketball of the season and advanced to the semifinals of the AAC tournament with an upset win over UCF on Friday, but keep in mind that the Tigers lost by 13 at Houston in early January. 

Memphis has improved since and will have homecourt advantage with this contest taking place at FedExForum, but it simply won't be enough to overcome this Houston team. The Cougars are 7-1 ATS in their last eight neutral site games, 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 games vs. AAC opponents and 13-3 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games. Back Houston to get the job done. 

10* play on Houston Cougars. 

SUPER EARLY BIG TEN DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Indiana Hoosiers will clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes at United Center in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament Thursday afternoon. The Hoosiers put an 89-73 beating on Rutgers on Sunday to improve to 6-0 ATS through their last six games. They've won four in a row straight up, three of those as underdogs. 

The Buckeyes meanwhile took an OT loss to Wisconsin in their last game of the regular season to fall to 1-4 SU and ATS through their last five games. Ohio State's leading scorer and rebounder, sophomore center Kaleeb Wesson, has missed the last three games due to suspension but is expected to be back here. 

I still don't think that'll be enough for the Buckeyes though, facing a red hot Indiana team more or less forced to win to have any change of making the NCAA Tournament. 

8* play on Indiana Hoosiers. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BLASTER

The Ball State Cardinals have been absolutely atrocious against the spread lately, failing to cover in each of their last seven games and going 3-14 ATS through their last 17. 

Here they'll face an Eastern Michigan team that won the last meeting in the series 68-61 on March 5 and have covered the spread in each of their last three games. 

The Eagles fell 64-58 at Toledo last time out (as a 10-point dog), but note that they're 6-1 ATS after scoring 60 points or fewer this season and 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a straight up loss. 

Great spot to back Eastern Michigan to bounce back with a big performance against a reeling Ball State side. 

10* play on Eastern Michigan Eagles. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

The Wisconsin Badgers are coming off a dominant 65-45 win over Iowa. They're 6-2 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I expect the Badgers to win and cover the spread here at Ohio State Sunday afternoon. 

The Buckeyes have lost five of their last seven and have averaged just 50.5 ppg in back-to-back blowout losses, by 35 points at Purdue and 18 at Northwestern. That two-game slide has coincided with the suspension of their leading scorer and rebounder in sophomore Kaleb Wesson who will be forced to sit this one out as well. 

Buckeyes are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 1-5 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record. 

OSU's woes without Wesson continues and Wisconsin runs away with this game.

10* play on Wisconsin Badgers. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED EARLY BIG 12 BET

I absolutely love the Texas Longhorns home at Frank Erwin Center Saturday afternoon. The visiting TCU Horned Frogs are a complete mess, entering this contest as losers of six of their last seven games (SU and ATS). The Longhorns will smell blood and not doubt look forward to the opportunity to revenge a 65-61 loss at TCU back in January. 

We can also note that a Longhorns win would put them at .500 in conference play for some additional motivation for the home team.  

Texas is 1-3 SU through its last four games but had covered the spread in four straight prior to a blowout loss at Texas Tech last time out.

The Longhorns are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a straight up loss and put a 69-57 beating on Oklahoma State their last time out as a favorite to improve to 5-1 ATS L6 as favorites.

10* play on Texas Longhorns.  

TOP RATED 10* BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a great time to back the Maryland Terrapins as they seek to rebound from back-to-back losses to Penn State and Michigan. They're 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss and have covered the spread in six of the last eight meetings with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (including a 82-67 win on Jan. 8). 

The Golden Gophers are in a letdown spot following a 73-69 upset victory over ninth-ranked Purdue on Tuesday. Minnesota is just 6-15 ATS in its last 21 games following a ATS win and I expect the home team to run up the score here at XFINITY Center Friday night.

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S BEST BIG EAST TOTAL

The Creighton Bluejays host the Providence Friars at CHI Health Center Omaha Wednesday night. Under is 8-1 in the last nine meetings, and I think this will be another relatively low-scoring affair.

Providence had played back-to-back unders (against St. John's and Marquette) before going over at Butler last time out, but only because the game went to OT.

Under is 10-1 in Friars last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and here it'll face a Creighton team that held conference-leading Marquette to 60 points last time out.

Under is 3-0 in Bluejays games where they held their previous opponent to 60 point or fewer this season and 9-1 in their last 10 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* SEC BASKET BRAWLER

The Kentucky Wildcats took a 71-52 loss at No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday to fall to third place in the SEC standings. They're still 10-4 ATS through their last four games, and here the Wildcats will face an Ole Miss Rebels side they've owned in recent years, winning nine in a row straight up while going 6-1 ATS through the last seven meetings. 

Ole Miss lost a heart breaker 74-73 to Arkansas on Saturday for its third loss in four games. I think the Rebels find it extremely tough to reset mentally and bounce back against an angry Cats side that lost in a blowout last time out. 

Kentucky senior forward senior forward Reid Travis has missed the last three games after injuring his knee in a win over Missouri on Feb 16. "That’s all up to the medical staff," Wildcats assistant coach Tony Barbee said Monday when asked if Travis could return for this contest. I don't expect Travis to play tonight (if he plays it's just a bonus), but Kentucky has enough quality to win and cover the spread here either way. 

10* play on Kentucky Wildcats. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BASKET BRAWLER

To say that the No. 11 Texas Red Raiders are red hot would be an understatement. They enter this contest on a seven-game winning streak during which they're 6-1 ATS and they've put up 80+ points in four straight games. 

On Saturday Texas Tech shot 56.9 percent from the field to earn an 81-66 victory at TCU. The Red Raiders can not afford to take a breather just yet though as  Kansas State is keeping pace with them atop the Big 12 standings. 

The visiting Texas Longhorns are in a letdown spot after ending a two-game slide with a dominant 17-point win over Iowa State on Saturday. Easy play on the home team here IMO. 

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S BIG TEN ATS ANNIHILATOR

The No. 17 Maryland Terrapins took a 78-61 beating at Penn State on Wednesday, perhaps a result of looking ahead to this matchup with the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines home at XFINITY Center Sunday afternoon. 

They'll face a Michigan team that is coming off an 82-53 rout of Nebraska and has covered the spread in 11 of its last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

The Wolverines recorded a 65-52 win over Maryland on Feb. 16 and are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 Sunday games. The Terrapins are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight Sunday games.

Michigan is allowing just 58.2 ppg on the season, and the Terps shooting was far from sharp last time out, going just 2-of-19 from downtown. The visitors superior defense will earn them the win here. 

10* play on Michigan Wolverines. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S BEST 2018/2019 REG SEASON TOTAL

The No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats put an 86-69 beating on the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers three weeks ago and have won an additional three straight games since. They've played great defense during that four-game stretch, holding opponents to an average of 61.5 ppg. 

The Vols had won 19 straight prior to that defeat, and you better believe the home side will be angry and hungry for revenge here in the rematch at Thompson-Boling Arena Saturday afternoon. They've struggled to put points on the board lately though, scoring just an average of 70 ppg through their last four contests (including an 80 point OT outing at LSU). 

Under is 7-1 in Wildcats last eight overall and 13-5-2 in Volunteers last 20 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 13-5-2 in the last 20 meetings.

Kentucky, Tennessee, and LSU are tied at the top of the SEC with identical 13–2 records, so this is a lot at stake here. I expect to see a tense, low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Quinnipiac Bobcats beat St. Peter's by 19 points home at People's United Center about a month ago. They're coming off a 68-56 triumph at Monmouth-NJ to improve to perfect 4-0 SU and ATS through their last four on the road and the the Bobcats are a solid 10-4 ATS away from home on the season. 

I don't think they'll have any trouble to take care of business here Friday night, facing a Peacocks team that may have won back-to-back games but had lost eight straight prior to that. 

St. Peter's is just 4-7-1 ATS at home on the season and has dropped four of its last five home at Yanitelli Center outright. 

10* play on Quinnipiac Bobcats. 

TOP RATED 10* MARYLAND @ PENN STATE BOOKIE BREAKER

The Maryland Terrapins picked up a 66-65 triumph at Iowa last time out on the road on Feb 19 to improve to 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games and followed that up with a 10-point triumph over Ohio last Saturday.

The Nittany Lions have won three of their last four following an 83-76 win at Illinois on Saturday, but they're 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games and 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up win.

Maryland is 7-1 ATS and Penn State 0-3 ATS in games with a total of 130 - 139.5 points this season. 

The Terps won the first meeting of the season 66-59 without even playing that well, and they've covered the spread in each of the last three meetings with Penn State. I think the visitors will come through with a win here. 

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ACC TOTAL

The Under is 8-2 in the Duke Blue Devils last 10, 18-6-2 in their last 26 and 7-0 in their last seven Tuesday night games. 

Zion Williamson (knee sprain) has been ruled out for this contest and I expect another relatively low-scoring contest for the Blue Devils tonight as they face a Virginia Tech team that held Notre Dame to 32.8 percent shooting from the field in a 67-59 triumph last time out. 

Under is 13-3 in Hokies last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 13-3 in the last 16 meetings with Duke. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a good spot to back No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks as they need a quick bounce back from an embarrassing 91-62 loss at Texas Tech on Saturday. 

It was their worst loss in a Big 12 game in the 16-year Bill Self era, and I think KU will come out sharp tonight. "Coach talked about getting ready for K-State. He said, ‘Can’t get this one back. Worry about the next one.’ I think we’ll bounce back pretty well," KU junior forward Dedric Lawson said, adding, "Sometimes a loss can be a blessing in disguise."

On the other end of the spectrum we have a Kansas State Wildcats team in a letdown spot after beating Oklahoma State by 39 points last time out. It's also worth noting that the Jayhawks will be seeking to avenge a 74-67 loss in Manhattan, Kansas on Feb. 5. 

The Jayhawks are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points and the favorite is 18-6-2 ATS in the last 26 meetings with Kansas State.

10* play on Kansas Jayhawks. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER

The Villanova Wildcats recorded an 85-75 triumph over Xavier on January 18, and I think another matchup with the Musketeers will help them end a two-game slide (losing as favorites at St. John's and Georgetown). 

The Wildcats are still 9-3 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and here they'll face a Xavier team that is often overrated by the books home at Cintas Center, going 5-11-3 ATS in its last 19 home games. The Musketeers are on a nice run having won three on the bounce, but they had lost and failed to cover the spread in six straight prior to that. 

Villanova is one game behind Big East-leading Marquette while Xavier is trying to stay in contention for the big dance, so neither team will lack motivation. I think Villanova will prove too strong though and I'm happy to give the points and back the visitors.

10* play on Villanova Wildcats. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER

The Georgetown Hoyas are coming off an impressive 85-73 upset win over Villanova. They still have their work cut out for they want to make the NCAA Tournament, and a loss here would be devastating. "We have to build on this, it can't be just a one-game thing," coach Patrick Ewing told the media. "We have five more games to go and our dreams and our goals are to make the NCAA Tournament."

Creighton had lost four straight before finally breaking out of the slump with a 79-67 win at DePaul last time out. The Bluejays are 8-6 SU but just 5-8 ATS at home on the season and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Creighton has won each of the last four meetings SU (3-1 ATS), but I would not be surprised to see Georgetown winning this one straight up and I'm well happy to take the points on the visitors in this matchup. 

10* play on Georgetown Hoyas. 

TOP RATED 10* MID-AMERICAN BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Buffalo Bulls are coming off a 114-67 rout of Ohio and have played three straight overs. They're scoring an average of 85.8 ppg overall which ballons to 90.3 ppg in front of the home town crowd at Alumni Arena. 

The Kent State Golden Flashes took an 84-74 loss at Central Michigan last time out and over is 7-2 in their nine games vs. teams that averages 77+ points/game. 

Over is 9-3 in the Bulls last 12 Friday night games and I think points will come fast and easy for both sides in this contest. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* PAC-12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Washington Huskies are a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS home at Alaska Airlines Arena in PAC-12 play this season.

Here they get get an opportunity to show off for the home town crowd for the first time in almost three weeks, and I expect the home team to come out focused and run away with this game rather comfortably. 

Utah had a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 98-87 home loss to Arizona State on Saturday and has given up 90+ points in two of its last three games. Sure, Utah can put points on the board, but such sloppy defending will make it extremely difficult to keep up with a Washington side that has averaged 73.3 ppg while holding opponents to 59.9 ppg for a +13.4 point differential in its own building.

The Utes took a 69-53 beating by Washington as a 1.5-point home underdog on January 10. They are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 while the Huskies are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on Washington Huskies. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Iowa State Cyclones look like a great home favorite against Baylor Bears Tuesday night. 

Iowa State has won five of its last six games and will be high on confidence coming off a 78-64 upset win at conference-leading Kansas State Wildcats. The Cyclones are a solid 11-2 SU home at Hilton Coliseum and 11-5-2 ATS in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. 

Here Iowa State will take on a Baylor Bears team that took an 86-61 beating at Texas Tech last time out to fall to 1-3 SU (0-3-1 ATS) through its last four games. The Bears have struggled to put points on the board during that stretch and leading playmakers Makai Mason and King McClure are both questionable for this matchup. 

Baylor won the first meeting of the season 73-70 home at Ferrell Center. ISU will be well up for this game and is scoring 80.9 ppg while allowing only 62.6 ppg as a home team for a +18.3 point differential.

10* play on Iowa State Cyclones . 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The No. 18 Kansas State Wildcats should be fired up for this one after seeing their four-game SU and ATS winning streak come to end with a 78-64 loss against Iowa State on Saturday. Dean Wade left midway through the second half and seems unlikely to play Monday, but I think the Wildcats will come through with a win anyway. 

The Wildcats are 8-1 ATS in their last nine vs. Big 12 competition and 5-0 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record. They're still top of the conference but can't afford another loss with No. 14 Kansas and No. 15 Texas Tech breathing down their neck. 

The West Virginia Mountaineers have been playing without a full squad for much of the season and coach Bob Huggins has only nine healthy scholarship players. They've been a great fade of late, losing six of their last seven SU and ATS. 

WVU has been held to an average of 52 ppg through its last three games and points won't come easy here against a Kansas State team that owns the fourth best scoring defense in the nation. 

Kansas State battled back from a 21-point second-half deficit to defeat West Virginia 71-69 in Manhattan on Jan. 9, but I think the Wilcats will win this contest comfortably. 

10* play on Kansas State Wildcats. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED PAC 12 SIDE FOR FEBRUARY

The Colorado Buffaloes are going for a fifth straight win SU and ATS when they host the reeling Arizona Wildcats at Coors Events Center Sunday night. The Buffaloes will be high on confidence following a 77-73 win over Arizona State, and I'm well happy to back the home team in this matchup.

"What a hard-fought win by a group of guys, you can just sense them coming together as a group and galvanizing around each other," Colorado coach Tad Boyle told the Boulder Camera after the most recent win. "Because that was a good team we beat tonight."

The Wildcats are heading in the opposite direction. Second-leading scorer, freshman guard Brandon Williams, is expected to miss his fifth straight game with a knee injury and they've struggled big time without him, losing six straight SU and ATS. "We don’t want to lose our seventh in a row, but it is a possibility." ASU coach Sean Miller told Tucson.com. 

Arizona has won 12 of the last 14 meetings between the teams, but it is just 3-5 on the road this season while Colorado is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

10* play on Colorado Buffaloes. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 ATS ANNIHILATOR

The No. 15 Texas Tech Red Raiders are on a roll, winning five of their last six outright and only loss as an underdog at Kansas on Feb 2. They've since won three games by an average of 23.7 points and have covered the spread in each of their last four games as favorites. 

Texas Tech should be extremely fired up for this matchup with the Bears as they seek to avenge a 73-62 loss at Baylor last month. Good timing as they're catching the Bears in a bit of a slump, having allowed an average of 77 points in losses to Texas and Kansas State prior to Monday’s 59-53 victory over Oklahoma. 

The Bears might have put an end to their losing streak, but they still failed to cover the spread for a third straight game. I think they'll find it very difficult to keep with the Red Raiders in this one. 

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

TOP RATED 10* ATLANTIC 10 BOOKIE BREAKER 

The Davidson Wildcats have won six of their last seven outright. They took a 54-51 loss as a 7.5-point home favorite at UMass on Feb 9 but bounced right back with a 10-point win at Fordham last time out. 

Here the Wildcats return home to Belk Arena where they're a perfect 11-0 SU (7-3 ATS) while averaging 76.0 ppg, and I expect the home team to run away with this game. 

The visiting St. Joseph's Hawks are banged up and 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall. They shot just 29.1 percent from the field as they took a 76-51 loss to St. Bonaventure Tuesday night. The Wildcats have allowed just 59.5 points per game across 11 conference games, so points won't come easy for the visitors here. 

The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings and Davidson will be seeking revenge for a 61-60 loss in Philadelphia a month ago. 

10* play on Davidson Wildcats. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED PAC-12 TOTAL

The Arizona Wildcats have dropped five in a row and took a 69-55 home loss Saturday to Washington State. They've struggled to put points on the board in recent games, but over is still 5-1 in Wildcats last six road games and they've allowed 78.3 ppg on average away from home. 

The Utah Utes on the other hand have played very well offensively of late, coming off a 93-92 triumph at UCLA and they've scored 70 points or more in each of their last eight games. 

Over is 6-1 in Utes last seven games following a straight up win and each of the last three meetings with Arizona have gone over the total.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have lost five in a row and seven of their last eight, but I think they're spotted too many points to pass up on here at Cassell Coliseum Wednesday night. 

Virginia Tech enters this game on a two-game losing streak and will have to do without senior standout Justin Robinson who has missed the past three games. The Hokies have averaged just 54 ppg through those contests and points won't come easy here against a Georgia Tech team that has held opponents to 64.2 ppg on the season (25th in the nation). 

Considering that Georgia Tech took a SU and ATS loss at Notre Dame last time out and is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games following a ATS loss, taking the points on the visitors in this matchup is a no-brainer IMO. 

10* play on Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

The Maryland Terrapins took a 62-60 loss at Purdue Boilermakers in the first meeting of the season on Dec. 6. I think they'll get their revenge home at XFINITY Center Tuesday night. 

The Terps are 3-1 ATS when trying to avenge a road loss vs. an opponent this season and they'll be well rested after getting six days off since a solid 60-45 victory at Nebraska. Purdue on the other hand will be playing on significantly less rest after beating the same Cornhuskers team Saturday night. 

Maryland sits a game and a half behind the Boilermakers in the standings and can't afford to lose this game, particularly with matchups at Michigan and Iowa on deck.

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB)

The No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks are coming off an 84-72 triumph as a 10.5-point favorite over Oklahoma State, but they're still just 2-6 ATS through their last eight games overall and 0-4 ATS in their last four on the road. The Jayhawks are averaging just 66.6 ppg on the road (well below their 76.7 ppg season average) and they're 0-4 SU and ATS as underdogs this season (all on the road).

Here they'll visit a TCU side that is a solid 9-2 ATS in its last 11 home games and the Horned Frogs will be high on confidence following a 92-83 triumph as a 9.5-point underdog at No. 16 Iowa State on Saturday, beating a ranked team on the road for the first time in 21 years.

With the Jayhawks 1-5 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning straight up record I think this looks like a good spot to back the home team at Schollmaier Arena Monday night.

10* play on TCU Horned Frogs. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB AFTERNOON ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Rider Broncos have failed to cover the spread in seven straight games overall. 

They are 7-1 SU but only 1-7 ATS home at Alumni Gymnasium on the season, and that's a trend I think will continue here against a Siena side that has won six of its last seven and while covering the spread in five of those games. 

The Saints just barely failed to cover the spread when they won 51-49 as a 2.5-point favorite at Manhattan last time out but are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss.

10* play on Siena Saints. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

Baylor took an 84-72 loss at Texas on Wednesday, but they had won and covered the spread in six straight games prior to that. The Bears are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss and I like the home team to bounce back with a win here against Kansas State on Saturday. 

The Wildcats have played well but could be due for a let down game after their 74-67 victory over No. 14 Kansas on Tuesday. They're averaging only 62.0 ppg and I their defense is likely to struggle with a Baylor team that averages 73.2 ppg overall.

10* play on Baylor Bears. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Dons gave Gonzaga a scare in San Francisco back on Jan. 12, but the Zags earned 13-point victory in the end after closing out the game on a 17-2 run. 

The Dons are coming into this matchup on a two-game losing streak and I don't see the Bulldogs making the same mistake twice. The last meeting will probably just make them more motivated to absolutely destroy their West Coast rival here.

The home team is no doubt asked to cover a big number, but note that Gonzaga is riding a 12-game winning streak during which it has outscored opponents by an average of 34 points. 

The Zags are a perfect 13-0 SU (10-3 ATS) while averaging 91.2 ppg home at McCarthey Athletic Center. San Francisco meanwhile is 0-5 ATS in its last five road games and averages just 70.6 ppg away from home on the season. 

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

TOP RATED 10* PAC-12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The UCLA Bruins are coming off a 69-55 loss at Washington, but they had won and covered the spread in back-to-back games (against Arizona and Washington St.) prior to that and they're a solid 11-4 ATS in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Here they'll host a Colorado side that is in a let down spot following a 73-51 rout of Oregon. 

With the Buffaloes just 2-6 ATS in its last eight games following a straight up win of more than 20 points and 1-7 ATS in its last eight games vs. a team with a winning straight up record I think this looks like a good spot to back the home team, particularly as the home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings in this series. 

10* play on UCLA Bruins. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The No. 11 Virgina Tech Hokies scored just 47 points last time out, but did still earn the W as they managed to hold North Carolina State to just 24 points on 16.7 percent shooting from the field. They're 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game and I think they'll struggle with the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals in this matchup. 

Louisville had won six in a row SU (5-1 ATS) before taking a 79-69 loss to North Carolina last time out. The Cardinals are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss and 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Virginia Tech will have to do without its second-leading scorer, guard Justin Robinson, (foot) for a while, and I'm happy to take the points on the visitors here at Cassell Coliseum Monday night. 

10* play on Louisville Cardinals. 

TOP RATED 10* ACC BOOKIE BREAKER (EARLY START)

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have seven losses through their last eight games and failed to cover the spread in six of those defeats. They're a pathetic 6-20 ATS in their last 26 vs. ACC rivals and took a 82-54 home loss to No. 16 Louisville last time out. Here they'll face a Clemson Tigers team looking to make it two wins in a row following a convincing 82-69 triumph over Pittsburgh. 

Wake Forest is only 4-8 ATS as an underdog and 0-6 SU away from home on the season. With Clemson a solid 9-4 ATS in its last 13 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and 4-0 ATS in the last four head-to-head matchups I don't see any reason to not back a motivated home team to win and cover.

10* play on Clemson Tigers. 

TOP RATED CBB BOOKIE BREAKER (12 PM ET START)

The St. John's Red Storm are 16-5 SU on the season and beat Creighton 83-67 as a 4-point road underdog last time out. They're 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 3-1 ATS as an underdog on the season. 

Here St. John's will take on a Duke team that has won all but two games on the season and four straight since a 95-91 OT setback against Syracuse, but the Blue Devils are just 2-4 ATS through their last six games. 

St. John's won last season's meeting 81-77 as a 10-point dog and has covered the spread in five of the last six meetings. I doubt it'll win this one outright, but this is simply too many points for the home team to cover. 

10* play on St. John's Red Storm. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED BIG TEN TOTAL

The Wisconsin Badgers have an 2-8 over/under record in Big Ten play on the season and have played five straight unders, one of them a 64-60 setback at Maryland on January 14 which closed with a total of 130.5 points. 

I think we'll see another low-scoring contest when they get a chance to avenge that loss Friday night. Maryland is scoring just 71.2 ppg on the road, well below its 75.0 season average overall, and under 4-0-1 in the Terps' last five vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Wisconsin has held four straight opponents to 60 points or fewer (avg of 52.8 ppg) and under is 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings with Maryland. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The red hot Louisville Cardinals have won six of their seven games here in 2019, the lone setback an OT loss at Pittsburgh on Jan 9. They got revenge on Pitt with a 66-51 triumph last time out and have now covered the spread in three straight games while outscoring opponents by an average of 16.6 points.

Here they'll face a Wake Forest team that has lost six of its last seven, covering the spread in just one of the defeats. The Demon Deacons are 4-7 ATS as an underdog on the season and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games.

Louisville is a solid 19-5 ATS through its last 24 January games has been on fire offensively of late while Wake Forest has averaged 53 ppg through its last two games. 

10* play on Louisville. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Texas Tech Red Raiders ended a three-game losing streak with a 67-64 triumph over Arkansas on Saturday. 

The Red Raiders failed to cover the spread to fall to 0-4 ATS through their past four games, but that's also the reason why were getting such a good number on the home team in this contest. Here they'll face TCU Horned Frogs side in a letdown spot off back-to-back home wins over Texas and Florida. 

The Horned Frogs defeated the Gators last time out despite shooting just 36% from the field overall. That won't cut it here against the Red Raiders who rank 2nd in the nation for points allowed giving up just 56.4 ppg while having no trouble to light up the scoreboard themselves, particularly at home. 

Texas Tech is 11-1 SU at home but only 3-8-1 ATS, mainly because it's often been asked to cover double-digit spreads. It averages 73.3 ppg while allowing just 52.0 ppg home at United Supermarkets Arena and I expect the home team to run away with this game.

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

TOP RATED 10* ACC ATS ANNIHILATOR

The FSU Seminoles snapped a three-game skid with a 77-68 win over Clemson on Tuesday. The last time they won prior to that was a six-point triumph over Miami-Florida on Jan 9, and I think they'll get the better of the Hurricanes again here in the second meeting of the season. 

The Hurricanes shot just 33.9% from the field in a 73-53 loss to Syracuse on Thursday. They're 2-9 ATS versus teams averaging 77+ points/game and should find it hard to keep up with FSU's firepower. 

10* play on Florida State Seminoles. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB)

The Marquette Golden Eagles are 17-3 on the season and enter this game on a six-game winning streak (5-1 ATS) following a double-digit win against DePaul last time out. 

I like Marquette to keep rolling here against a Xavier team that is coming off back-to-back SU and ATS losses, the most recent a 64-62 setback against Providence. 

Xavier is just 1-3 ATS as an underdog on the season and took a 70-52 beating as a 7.5-point underdog at Fiserv Forum less than three weeks ago in the first meeting of the season.

10* play on Marquette. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Kent State Golden Flashes enter this contest riding a three-game winning streak, claiming two of those three outright as underdogs. 

They're 5-1 ATS as an underdog this season and I think they'll keep it close here against a Buffalo team coming off a tight loss at Northern Illinois to fall to 0-3 ATS in its last three games. 

"That's three games in a row now that we have not played good basketball. We need to get back to the blue collar stuff that got us to this point, like rebounding and diving for loose balls." coach Nate Oats told the media after the most recent setback. 

Easier said than done though, and I'll take my chances with the home team in this matchup. 

10* play on Kent State. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* MSU @ IOWA BEST BET

The No. 5 Michigan State Spartans have dominated the No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes in recent seasons, winning three straight meetings and the first matchup of the season 90-68 back in December. 

The Spartans enter this contest riding a 12-game winning streak after earning a 69-55 decision against No. 16 Maryland Monday night, and that despite going just 6-of-26 from behind the arc. With the sixth best defense in the nation they don't have to rely on offense though, and the Spartans have held four of their last six opponents under 60 points.

The Spartans have covered the spread in eight straight games, they're 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. and a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.

Iowa has won five in a row after a 95-71 rout of Illinois last time out but is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

10* play on Michigan State Spartans. 

TOP RATED 10* MLK DAY BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Kansas Jayhawks are a perfect 11-0 at home on the season and they've won 15 straight at Allen Fieldhouse dating back to February 3, 2018.

They should be extremely fired up for this game, not only looking to bounce back from a one-point loss to West Virginia last time out but also seeking revenge for a 77-60 loss at Iowa State on Jan 5. 

Cyclones are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on Kansas Jayhawks. 

TOP RATED 10* MAC ATTACK

The Bowling Green Falcons have won and covered the spread in eight straight games. 

They're perfect home at Stroh Center on the season and will host a reeling Western Michigan side that has lost four straight and seven of its last eight. 

The Broncos have surrendered 85 points or more in three consecutive games and I don't see them keeping up with a Falcons side that averages 83.0 ppg at home.

10* play on Bowling Green Falcons.