Both these teams can throw it in the hole at a pretty good rate, and they're about even defensively, but Xavier does a better job on the boards. Also, following a lackluster performance last time out, we expect better from the Musketeers Wednesday night. Marquette, meanwhile, just put on a bounce-back performance; perhaps it's due for a dip in the roller-coaster. These teams just played a close game a month ago, and this one should be close, too. We'll take Xavier plus the points.

Think twice before betting on the East Carolina Pirates in their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Pirates were crushed in their previous matchup with Cincinnati, and they will be without their leading scorer this time. Additionally, they are coming off an 11-day break due to COVID-19 protocols and are dealing with the emotional burden of losing a key member of their program. On the other hand, Cincinnati has a solid track record against the Pirates, having won seven consecutive meetings between the teams. Overall, backing the Pirates is a risky bet, so consider putting your money on the Cincinnati Bearcats.

The stats heavily favor the Colgate Raiders over the Army Black Knights. The Raiders possess an impressive 19-8 overall record, including a 9-2 record at home and an above average offense, which has been averaging 77.2 points per game on 50% shooting. But the issue is this -12 point spread. Can they extend the margin? They did beat Army by 19 their visit here but that was back in January of 2022 and the Colgate is just 3-4 against the spread versus Patriot League foes this season. Army plays decent on the road with a 6-6 overall record this season and 4-3 straight up and 5-2 versus the line in conference road games.

Taking into account both teams' dismal current form it’s tough to pick the spread winner. But, Florida does have a solid home defense (63.14 PPG).  The Gators should be able to control the pace and keep the lack luster Rebels offense in the low 60s. Florida’s offense isn’t impressive putting up 70 points or greater in only two of their last eight games.

Kansas is looking better as of late like it’s gearing up for a run through March. Also, playing on the road means the spread’s more amenable. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, owns five straight wins, but several were close and came against some iffy competition. Also, the Cowboys can have some problems throwing the ball in the hole. We like the Jayhawks here, minus the short spread.

Missouri hit 12/25 from 3-point land Tuesday night; we doubt they can do that again Saturday against maybe the best defensive team in the country. Tennessee, meanwhile, hasn’t put on a good, full performance in a couple of weeks; they might be ripe for one here. Also, the Vols own the better performances against common opponents. The line on this game seems a bit steep, but maybe those oddsmakers are reading our minds. We’ll take Tennessee minus the points.

I like the Over. Toledo ripped the Akron defense for 84 points, and while the Rockets do lead the nation in offensive efficiency, Ohio is a solid 42nd. The Bobcats hung 77 on the Zips on the road and are now at home, where they have averaged 82.5 points per game. Akron doesn't always light it up, but the Bobcats' defense isn't actually defending well, allowing 78.6 points per game on 48.9% shooting over their last five. Take the Over 144.

Devin Bookier is expected to miss, Mikal Bridges is gone and Cam Johnson as well. The trade and injury status of Booker leave the Suns in a really bad spot Thursday night vs. a Hawks team that will likely blow them out. I'm laying the -5.5 with Atlanta.

Utah State is one of the better offensive outfits in the country this season, while San Diego State, as usual, is one of the better defensive teams. We like betting on the side with the better defense in match-ups like this. Also, the Aztecs just outplayed the Aggies a couple of weeks ago—also, Sagarin's ratings favor San Diego State. So we like the Aztecs Wednesday night for the win.

North Carolina State likes the up-tempo game, while Virginia likes to grind it out. We prefer the latter method. Also, while the Wolf Pack are off to a great start, they’ve been living a bit dangerously, winning a bunch of close games. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers shot poorly and played some poor defense last time out; we expect a better effort and better result here. That line on this game seems about a bucket too steep, but we’ll give the points on Cavaliers.

Texas is the hotter team at the moment, but Kansas has been playing a brutal schedule. Also, the Jayhawks are probably the better defensive team in this match-up. Also, Kansas might be ripe for a bounce-back effort here, following a poor one last time out. They’re probably favored by a bucket too much, but we’ll give the points and take the Jayhawks.

Northwestern doesn’t shoot the ball all that well except from the FT line, where it’s hitting at 75 percent. The Wildcats also might be the better defensive team in this match-up. Also, following a rough outing last time out, we expect a better performance from the ‘Cats here. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is shooting just 66 percent from the line, and it’s been out-rebounded by nine of its last ten opponents. And that’s a poor combination if you’re trying to win basketball games. This game should be close, just like the game two weeks ago, and three points might come in real handy. We’ll take Northwestern plus the points.

This is the first time Gonzaga’s been lined as a dog against St. Mary’s in memory. And yet we still believe the Zags are the better team - although not by much - in this match-up. And this game should be close, where three and a half points might come in really handy. St. Mary’s is one of the best defensive teams in the country, but the way Gonzaga shoots the ball should keep them in it. We’re betting the Bulldogs here, plus the points.

I like Michigan State here. The Spartans have lost four of their last six games, but that stretch of games was one of the toughest of any teams this season. They're rested now and catching 4.5 points in a game. I think they have a realistic shot of winning in what should be a low-scoring, close game.

San Diego State got out-played and out-shot Tuesday night against Nevada; we expect a bounce-back effort Friday night. Also, the Aztecs are one of the very best defensive teams in the country. Meanwhile, Boise State might be down a couple of starters. We’re giving the points with San Diego State here.

We like the Friars here, plus the points. Providence comes in hot, shooting better than 50 percent from the field over its last three games. The Friars are also the better defensive team in this match-up. Xavier, meanwhile, is without its leading rebounder and second-leading scorer. Also, Providence owns the upper hand in the recent rivalry with the Musketeers.

Both these teams are playing a lot of close games recently, including their own overtime battle. They’re also very similar statistically. Also, they’re both +1 PPG against common opponents! Also, with this game in Lawrence Kansas State is probably catching an extra 3-4 points on the spread. We’ll take the Wildcats plus those points Tuesday night.

I don't like siding with the public, but I think that they're on the right side of the line today. Iowa is very strong at home with only two losses, and while one was as a -31 fav to EIU, the other was to Ohio State in overtime. They've won and covered their other three Big Ten home games, and I believe it will be four after today's match.

It's been all about defense for the Wildcats. After a wake-up call with back-to-back losses to Alabama and South Carolina, UK has gone on a four-game streak that started with a confidence-building 63-56 road win over the Vols. They've kept three of their last four opponents to 67 or fewer points. The team that surpassed that number was Georgia, who capitalized on the swollen heads of Kentucky (game after the shocking win over Ten), scoring 42 points in the first half before being held to 29 in the second half. The Jayhawks can play defense (39.4 FG % on the road), but they've been having issues with fouls committing 20.3 over the losing streak. They should get that cleaned up today. I'm forecasting a 70-65 type game.

This is more of a feel play. TCU is a little banged up. They return home to accolades after the Jayhawks slaying and could easily be a little too full of themselves. The Sooners are just 1-3 in true road games, but three of the four losses were by four or fewer points.