These two teams are off to good starts going a combined 10-3 on the season getting it done with solid defense. The Trojans are allowing 66.8 points per game on 38.9% shooting and the Mustangs 56.5 on 39.2%. USC comes into this game off of a 75-59 loss where they were out boarded at both ends of the court and allowed 75 points or more for the second time in three games. They've had a week to improve their defensive game and that should be their number one priority in this game. SMU has played brilliant fefense at home holding their opponents to 56.5 points per game on 39.2 shooting and while they haven't had the toughest schedule they did hold Arizona to a season low 60 points.

In rivalry games, statistics and analytics can be tossed outside the window. You can be rest assured here that the Flames are sick and tired of being picked on by the Ramblers. Situationally, UIC enters into this contest in the perfect spot to catch LIL off-guard. After all, the start to the Flames’ season has been disastrous. The Flames have lost their previous three contests overall and have done so by double-digit margins in all three defeats. These three losses came at Troy, at Kentucky, and against Fort Wayne; all quality teams. The Ramblers rambled to 7-0 to start off the 2017 campaign before suffering its first defeat which was a ghastly one, at Boise State on Tuesday. However, there is more to the story here than meets the eye.

According to KenPom, the Ramblers’ own the 302nd ranked strength of schedule whilst UIC’s SOS sits at 202nd. There is a stark difference in quality of competition but it doesn’t end there. The Ramblers are also the 10th luckiest team in the land whilst playing this schedule. Very simply, the Ramblers have been the benefactors of a padded schedule combined with everything going right. Such an attractive record should be expected. Contrarily, Illinois-Chicago sits at 313th in the luck department which means this team is due for a few bounces. Perhaps, this contest may be the scenario where this all levels out as rivalry games are known culprits of bringing forth such events. We would be inclined to even suggest taking UIC as an outright on the Money Line in this one. However, given the fact there are so many points on the table, it would be rude of us not take them.

As we mentioned already, the contrasting results between the two parties in their most recent outtakes is driving a likely huge overreaction by the public in response to the low-hanging fruit that accompanies the Tigers. When this is combined with a recency bias that is likely being fostered due to Pacific’s winning streak in this series, spotting the points seems even more enticing. However, trends of this nature carry little weight. Pacific and Riverside were two completely different squads four years ago so it is hard to place merit on the Tigers’ historical successes. What we can take into consideration is strength of schedule. Riverside has played a far tougher docket in the early going. According to KenPom, the Highlanders’ own the 80th ranked non-conference strength of schedule whilst Pacific’s Non-Conference SOS sits at 280th. The difference in quality of competition will play an instrumental role in the outcome of this contest. Don’t be afraid to play UCR outright on the Money Line in this one.

Two unbeaten teams tip off at the Williams Arena tonight. On paper the Gophers appear to have an edge playing a much tougher schedule. Miami’s strength is a smothering defense, but I believe the guard play of Minnesota tilts the game in their favor. The late flurry by ‘Bama should have the Gophers playing defense for the full 40 minutes and keeping the winning margin in a covering range.

The Bears defense has been outstanding holding their opponents to 59.4 points on 38.3 shooting this season. The Musketeers numbers are good for the most part as well, but the big difference is that in their only two games against top flight competition they allowed 102 points to Arizona State (season high) and 70 to Wisconsin. Baylor held the same Wisconsin team to just 60 and held the Bluejays who has averaged 92 points in the other matches this season to 59 points. I’ll ride the better defense on paper getting points on the road.

Maryland proved that a good defensive effort by their opposition can cause them fits as St. Bonaventure proved in their match on November 24th knocking them off 63-61. I expect much of the same from Syracuse tonight who have held every opponent to 67 or fewer points. The Orange also have the scheduling edge with the Terrapins playing their third game in four days.

There are two key narratives that jump out at us in breaking down this contest: strength of schedule and element of luck. Siena has had some of the worst luck in America as they are ranked 331st in that department according to KenPom. This was achieved against the 75th ranked schedule in terms of strength. For the Pride, they have been the benefactors of good fortune albeit their luck rating sits at 35th against a weaker schedule ranked 134th nationally. Essentially, Hofstra’s better record is a bit of a farce. Their two most recent losses are indicative of the correction they are supposed to undergo. Contrarily, the Saints have yet to win a game but are due to win a couple. Situationally, we have to like this spot to be their first victory be that they get the Pride at home. Both their overtime losses were on the road. Home court advantage is a huge part of college basketball and that is especially the case with a mid-major outfit such as this one looking to get off the snide. The Saints may also be worth a look on the Money Line.

One of the key angles in early season college basketball betting is weighing out the strength of each teams’ opponents and if you find an edge to exploit that can-do wonders for your bankroll. In tonight’s game we don’t even need to make assessments on the competition’s power rankings, as they have a common opponent. Both teams played the Southeastern Louisiana Lions with polar- opposite results. Valpo crushed the Lions by 33 while Kent State lost by 4.I’ll also add that the Crusaders have yet to lose this season going 5-0 with the lowest margin of victory 21 points. I’ll take my chances laying the number.

Evansville has yet to taste defeat, but they also haven’t played much. They were favored in the only two games that had a line and didn’t overly impress in the two unlined games. Fresno State has the shooting edge and should dominate the boards. On defense the Bulldogs numbers are weaker than the Aces, but that can be attributed to the difference in competition. Lay the points.

This is a big step up for the Cardinal who have been favored in all four of their matches this season. They did go 3-1 in those four games, but their scoring didn’t scare ANYONE. Especially concerning was their 61-point output against Washington in a six-point loss as a -16.5 favorite. The Tar Heels have just the two games this season wining both by double digits and while the 81 points allowed to Bucknall wasn’t a proud moment for the defense, it’s the very reason why I think their defense will be the team’s main concern tonight.

Vandy hasn’t been overly impressive in their three games so for this campaign. Their offense hasn’t been at it’s best, but their defense has stepped it up. They meet a rested Trojans team that should have a lot of energy on defense, but may be not as sharp shooting after being off six days.

One result is selling this market above all else: Riverside’s defeat of California as a 13.5-point road pup. However, this is likely overstated and is creating an overreaction as a result. While we cannot dismiss the value of the victory, the Golden Bears were likely caught napping on their own court. Had this match-up transpired later in the season, perhaps Cal would have handled it differently. One thing that is for certain is that Portland State will give no concessions to the Highlanders. The opening line suggests that not only can Portland State be competitive in this contest, they can win it outright on Riverside’s own court. Thus, the Vikings are certainly worth a look on the Money Line here. For those trying play it safe, you can take back the bucket. However, chances are you won’t need it.

Defensively the Rockets have played OK in their two games this season, but they have yet to be tested by a team with Oakland’s offensive ability. They did allow 87 to St. Joes and logically the Golden Grizzlies can put up a number in that range. I think that this game could easily go over, but when I look at what Oakland did in the first half in their two matches this campaign outscoring the opposition by a combined 94-52 with the lowest margin being 20 points at the half the side play is the way to go.

The Musketeers sure are shooting well and have played solid defensively in their two matches this season. The Badgers will try to limit the shooting opportunities, but I believe that the both teams will get their share of points tonight sending this over the reasonable line.

The word on the street is that Morehead State will be having a ‘whiteout’ to welcome their rivals. In college basketball, home court advantage has a huge influence in deciding the outcome of a game. In fact, it is probably most influential in this sport above all others. When looking at the boards, if we can locate an underdog that has the ability to play at home with an animated crowd behind it, there can be tremendous value on the board. This contest fits that mold, perfectly. Furthermore, Morehead State comes in off the radar as they have yet to win a game this season. Marshall is undefeated. What we have here is a situation where we get Morehead at a better price when they can likely the win this contest outright. By all means look at Morehead State on the Money Line in this contest, if inclined. The Eagles get the call.

No doubt that the Bluejays can score, but their defense has also been outstanding. The Same can be said of Northwestern’s defensive unit that held both opponents this season to 25 or fewer points in the first half.

Both teams picked up easy wins in their openers and while one game does make a season F Jordan Murphy sure looked good for the Golden Gophers. A repeat of anything near that should result in a W for the visitors. Minnesota wins the boards and takes the money.

I think that the Princeton defense comes up big today and I feel that the scoring will be difficult for both teams today.

I believe Notre Dame is overvauled here. The public has been backing the Irish with both fists but the line continues to fall. I’m going to follow the smart money here and back the underdog. Look for the Blue Demons to be in this until the end and keep this close enough to get the point spread cover.

There is a lot of appeal in backing the Golden Griffins here be that they shocked the Bulls last year on their own court. However, some argue that the Bulls won’t get caught napping again. Buffalo is on a mission this year to get back to the MAC Championship and take back what it feels was rightfully theirs until Kent State shocked the conference. However, they must first get past a team that has had their number. While Buffalo has their eyes on greener pastures, it is likely that Canisius is focused strictly on this game. Thus, there is a chance that the Bulls will bite the bullet yet again. Canisius has plenty of breathing room to come in under this number but they likely won’t need them.