Winning Sports Picks

20* American Athletic GAME OF THE MONTH on Temple +7.5

The Memphis Tigers are in a massive letdown spot here. I was all over them as a 10-point underdog at Louisville on Thursday in a 73-67 road victory. Now, I'm going to fade them two days late in a game I don't expect them to show up for.

It's only human nature for a team to lack focus after beating the defending national champs. That will be the problem for the Tigers in this one as they won't get Temple the focus they deserve.

Despite being just 5-8 this season, there's no question that the Owls are a hell of a lot better than their record would indicate. In fact, seven of their eight losses have come by 7 points or less. They simply haven't been getting it done in close games, and I fully expect this one to go down to the wire, too.

The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last four Saturday games. The Owls are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Saturday games. Temple is 4-0 ATS in its last four games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%. Memphis won't be able to celebrate its Louisville win for long as it gets stunned today by the Owls. Take Temple Saturday.

15* Pac-12 PLAY OF THE DAY on California +8

The Oregon Ducks are one of the most overrated teams in the country. They opened 13-0 this season against a very easy schedule before suffering a reality check at Colorado over the weekend, falling by a final of 91-100. Oregon is now 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall, which included narrow wins over BYU (96-100) and Utah (68-70).

California is undervalued due to suffering four early-season losses, all of which came on the road against quality teams in Syracuse, Dayton, UC-Santa Barbara and Creighton. This is a team that returned four starters from last year and one to watch out for as a sleeper to win the Pac-12. The Bears are off to a good start in conference play, winning 69-62 at Stanford in their opener.

That game against Stanford was last time out, which was one week ago today. That means the Bears have had a full week to prepare for Oregon. Meanwhile, the Ducks played on Sunday, meaning that they have only had three practice days to get ready for California. The edge in rest and preparation clearly favors the Bears in this one.

"They'll have a full week, so we'll see a team that's very well-prepared," Oregon head coach Altman said. "You give Mike a full week, he's going to have them ready to go. So we're going to have to be really sharp."

California is a perfect 11-0 S.U. in its last 11 meetings with Oregon. This has clearly been a match-up of their liking throughout the years, and that was evident again last season as they took all three meetings with the Ducks. This 11-game winning streak dates back to 2009 and cannot be ignored, especially with four starters back from last season. Roll with California Thursday.

20* Memphis/Louisville ESPN Thursday No-Brainer on Memphis +10

The Louisville Cardinals are being way overvalued here tonight as a double-digit favorite against a very good Memphis team that will be making the NCAA Tournament. A win over Louisville tonight would certainly boost its chances.

I believe the reason this line has been inflated is due to the fact that Memphis is coming off its worst loss of the season, a 53-69 setback at home against Cincinnati. However, I have no doubt that the Tigers were looking ahead to this game, and that they simply overlooked the Bearcats.

Memphis is battle-tested in the early going having already played the likes of Florida, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State (twice) and LSU. It beat Oklahoma State and LSU, while also only losing to Florida by a mere two points. This team has proven that they can play with anyone in the country.

Another reason that the Cardinals are overvalued is that they won the title last year. However, against their two toughest opponents this season, they have been exposed. They lost to North Carolina (84-93) on a neutral court, while also falling at Kentucky (66-73). They honestly do not have a single good win this season as they rest of their opponents have been cupcakes. That's evident by the fact that they have been a double-digit favorite in all but one game this year.

Memphis is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games following an ATS loss. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games following three or more consecutive road games. The Tigers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Cardinals, including 5-0-1 ATS in their last six trips to Louisville. The road team is 5-0-1 ATS in the last six meetings. Take Memphis Thursday.

15* Boise/SDSU ESPNU Late-Night BAILOUT on Boise State +7

The Boise State Broncos get the call tonight as a road underdog to the San Diego State Aztecs. This is a perfect spot bet on the Broncos, who will be the more motivated team tonight, hands down.

San Diego State is coming off its biggest win of the season, a 61-57 triumph at Kansas on Sunday. Rarely does anyone escape Lawrence with a victory, but the Aztecs accomplished that feat. It's only human nature for them to return home and suffer a letdown three days later.

This was a very closely-contested series last year. San Diego State won two of three meetings by finals of 63-62 at home, and 73-67 on a neutral court in the MWC Tournament. Boise State won 69-65 at home.

As you can see, all three meetings were decided by six points or less. Dating back to 2012, the last four meetings have been decided by six or fewer. Boise State, which returns five starters from last year, will be the more motivated team due to losing two of three last season.

The Broncos are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 conference games. San Diego State is 2-5 ATS in its last seven conference games. The Aztecs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Roll with Boise State Wednesday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Illinois +10

The Wisconsin Badgers are way overvalued right now due to their perfect 15-0 start to the season. They have no business being a double-digit favorite against a very good Illinois team tonight, and I'll take advantage and fade them because of it.

Illinois is off to a 13-2 start this season with solid home wins over Indiana and Penn State to open conference play, as well as impressive road wins over Missouri and UNLV. In fact, Illinois' only two losses this season came by a combined 10 points on the road against Georgia Tech (64-67) and Oregon (64-71).

For the most part, Wisconsin has beaten up on an easy schedule. However, in games against its stiffest competition, all have been decided by 10 points or less. The Badgers beat Florida (59-53), Saint Louis (63-57), West Virginia (70-63), Virginia (48-38), Marquette (70-64) and Iowa (75-71) all by 10 points or less.

Really, this team is fortunate to be undefeated right now as it continues to win its close games. This one will go right down to the wire as well. The Fighting Illini are 3-0-2 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Take Illinois Wednesday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Texas +12.5

The Texas Longhorns are one of the most underrated teams in the country this season. They have opened 11-3 and have gotten back to playing team basketball under head coach Rick Barnes. Their only losses have come by BYU, Michigan State and Oklahoma with two of those coming by four points or less.

Texas does have some impressive wins on its resume, most notably its 86-83 victory at North Carolina as a 10.5-point underdog. The Longhorns did lose their Big 12 opener by a final of 85-88 against a very good Oklahoma team, but that result will only have them coming back more hungry tonight.

Oklahoma State is one of the better teams in the land, but it has no business being a double-digit favorite against Texas tonight. I went against the Cowboys as a 5.5-point favorite at Kansas State over the weekend as the Wildcats won outright. I'll gladly fade them again here as they are clearly overvalued.

The Cowboys are 12-26 ATS in their last 38 games as a home favorite of 12.5 to 18 points. Oklahoma State is 6-16 ATS versus good teams who outscore their opponents by 8 or more points per game over the past two seasons. The Longhorns are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss. Texas is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games following a S.U. loss. The Cowboys are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bet Texas Wednesday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Colorado -7

I've been riding the Colorado Buffaloes with a lot of success this season, and I'm going to continue to do so tonight as I don't believe the oddsmakers have adjusted enough for how good this team really is.

I was on the Buffaloes as a 3-point favorite against Oregon Sunday in a game they won 100-91 at home to hand the Ducks their first loss. While some will see this as a letdown spot, I don't. Colorado can't afford letdowns if it wants to make the NCAA Tournament after falling just short last year.

This is a team that returned four starters from last season and one that will make some noise in the Big Dance. Their only losses have come to Baylor and Oklahoma State on a neutral court, and they have beaten the likes of Harvard, Kansas and Oregon already. The Buffs outrebound their opponents by nine boards per game, and shoot 12 more free throws than the opposition on average.

Washington State is in shambles right now. It has opened 7-7, including back-to-back blowout road losses to Arizona (25-60) and Arizona State (47-66) to open conference play. It's no surprise that these blowout losses have occurred considering they are without leading scorer DeVonte Lacy (17.7 ppg) for the past two games. He is expected to sit out this one, too. The Cougars' second-leading scorer is Royce Woolridge (9.8 ppg), so they are clearly lost offensively without Lacy.

'We have got to get better offensively," WSU coach Ken Bone said. "It's hard when arguably your best player, definitely your best scorer, is not out there, so again to try to manufacture points in creative ways. It makes it a little bit difficult, to say the least, but you got to keep plugging at it."

The Buffaloes are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games following three or more consecutive home games. Colorado is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games following a win. The Cougars are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Roll with Colorado Wednesday.

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Wake Forest +11.5

The Virginia Cavaliers are getting way too much respect from the books as a double-digit home favorite over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tonight. I'll take advantage and back the dog in a game that will go right down to the wire.

Wake Forest is off to an 11-3 start this season, which includes a win over North Carolina last time out. Its only losses have come against Kansas, Tennessee and Xavier, which are three very good teams. This is a squad that returned four starters from last year and will be a tough out in the ACC all year.

Virginia is clearly not as good as it is perceived. This team has gone just 10-4 this season with some ugly losses along the way at home against Wisconsin (38-48) and on the road against Tennessee (52-87). It is coming off a 62-50 win at Florida State, but I believe that is why it is overvalued here.

Joe Harris, who led the team with 16.3 points per game last year and is their best player, went out with a concussion against Florida State early. That's why it was impressive that the Cavaliers went on to win that game, but they clearly are not the same team without this guy over the long haul. Harris is listed as doubtful to play tonight. Even if he does play, this spread is inflated, so it would just be an added bonus if he sits.

The Cavaliers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Virginia is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 home games. The Cavaliers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Virginia is 1-5 ATS in its last six games following a win. The Demon Deacons are 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings with Virginia. Take Wake Forest Wednesday.

15* Ohio State/MSU ESPN Big Ten BAILOUT on Ohio State +5.5

The Ohio State Buckeyes should not be an underdog to the Michigan State Spartans tonight. The Buckeyes are off to a perfect 15-0 start this year and continue to get little respect from the books.

To open up Big Ten play, the Buckeyes have covered two straight with a 78-69 road win at Purdue as a 6-point favorite, and an 84-53 home win over Nebraska as a 15.5-point favorite. They have four starters back from last year including Aaron Craft, who guides what I believe to be the best defensive team in the country. The Buckeyes only allow 54.9 points per game and 36.9% shooting.

Michigan State is off to a great start as well at 13-1, but I believe this team has a lot more problems than most. The Spartans survived several close calls in the early going, and they proved they were beatable when North Carolina went into East Lansing and throttled them 79-65. MSU has rebounded since, winning and covering each of its last five games, but as a result it is overvalued heading into this one.

This has been a very closely-contested series to say the least, so I'm going to take all the points I can get. Remarkably, each of the last five meetings have been decided by eight points or less, including four by four points or fewer. The one eight-point game was a 68-60 home win for Ohio State. So, the Buckeyes have not lost by more than four points to Michigan State in any of the last five meetings. Ohio State is also 4-1-1 ATS in its last six trips to East Lansing.

Plays against home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (MICHIGAN ST) - after beating the spread by 24 or more points total in their last three games against opponent after going over the total by 18 or more points total in their last three games are 93-47 (66.4%) ATS since 1997. Ohio State is 21-6 ATS in its last 27 Tuesday road games. The Buckeyes are 7-0 ATS in their last seven vs. Big Ten opponents. Ohio State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven vs. a team with a winning record. Take the Buckeyes Tuesday.

20* American Athletic GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston +9.5

The Houston Cougars are showing their best value of the season tonight. Asking the Cincinnati Bearcats to go on the road and win at Houston by double-digits to beat us is simply asking too much.

The Cougars returned three starters from last year and a ton of talent. They have opened 10-5 this season, including 7-1 at home, where they have been virtually unbeatable. That includes a 75-71 win over UConn as a 9-point underdog. TaShawn Thomas (17.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 3.7 bpg) is an absolute beast and can carry this team when he needs to.

Cincinnati comes in red hot having won six straight, including an impressive 69-53 win at Memphis last time out despite being a 5.5-point underdog. However, I believe that win has the Bearcats way overvalued here, and they could easily suffer a letdown because of it. Remember, this team lost on the road to both New Mexico (54-63) and Xavier (47-64) in blowout fashion earlier this year.

Plays against road teams as an favorite or pick (CINCINNATI) - in a game involving two average offensive teams (67-74 PPG) after 15+ games, after allowing 65 points or less 5 straight games are 30-8 (78.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Cincinnati is 0-9 ATS after playing a road game over the last two seasons. The Bearcats are 0-7 ATS off an upset win by 15 points or more as an underdog since 1997. Houston is 6-0 ATS in home games after two straight games with nine or less offensive rebounds over the last three seasons. The Cougars are 6-0 ATS after allowing 30 points or less in the first half of two straight games over the last two years. These four trends combine for a perfect 28-0 system backing the Cougars. Roll with Houston Tuesday.

15* Tennessee/LSU ESPN Tuesday No-Brainer on LSU -2.5

The LSU Tigers (9-3) are coming off an ugly 70-74 home loss to Rhode Island, which I believe has them undervalued here. They were obviously looking ahead to their first SEC game, and I fully expect them to come back motivated with their best effort of the season tonight.

I have a lost of respect for Tennessee as I have backed them a couple times this year. However, after three straight blowout home wins, I believe this team is overvalued. Remember, the Vols were beaten 61-70 at Wichita State and at home against NC State by a final of 58-65 prior to this winning streak.

LSU returned four starters from last year, and these guys will be motivated to put an end to a five-game losing streak to Tennessee in this series. There are some absolute studs in this group of returnees, led by Johnny O'Bryant III (14.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and Jordan Mickey (14.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.6 bpg), who hold down the paint inside.

Tennessee is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 road games after scoring 85 points or more in two straight games. The Vols are 7-22 ATS in their last 29 games after two straight games where they made 50% of their shots or better. Tennessee is 0-2 SU in true road games this season, and 1-4 ATS in its last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a loss. Bet LSU Tuesday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Colorado -3

The Colorado Buffaloes are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They have opened the season 12-2 with their only losses coming to Baylor and Oklahoma State on a neutral court. They have beaten the likes of Harvard and Kansas this season.

Colorado has one of the best home-court advantages in the land dating back to last year. It has opened 10-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents by an average of 13.4 points per game. The Buffaloes are 4-1 against Oregon since joining the Pac-12, and they have won all four meetings in Boulder all-time.

Oregon is simply overvalued right now due to its 13-0 start. It is coming off a 70-68 overtime victory at Utah last time out, but it won't be as fortunate against a much better Colorado team today. The Buffaloes have won four straight at home against Top 25 teams after beating then-No. 6 Kansas on December 7.

The Ducks are 4-11-2 ATS in their last 17 vs. Pac-12 opponents. The Buffaloes are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a S.U. win. Colorado is 23-11-1 ATS in its last 35 games following an ATS loss. The Buffaloes are 4-0 ATS in their last four Sunday games. Roll with Colorado Sunday.

15* American Athletic PLAY OF THE DAY on Rutgers +17

This play is more of a fade of the Louisville Cardinals than anything. They are simply way overvalued after winning the championship last year, and after their 12-2 start this season. They have no business being a 17-point favorite at Rutgers Saturday.

Forward Chase Behanan has been dismissed from the team recently, leaving Louisville thin along the front line. It didn't bother them one bit in a 90-65 win at UCF in its first game without Behanan last time out. However, that result is the reason that the Cardinals are overvalued here, and I fully expect them to come back down to earth in their second game without him.

Rutgers is off to a respectable 7-7 start this season while being competitive in every game under first-year coach, Eddie Jordan. Indeed, all seven of the Scarlet Knights' losses this season have come by 11 points or fewer, including five by 6 points or less. They are coming off an impressive 71-66 home victory over Temple last time out and are fully capable of competing with Louisville, which may be looking ahead to its game against Memphis next.

The Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following an ATS win. Roll with Rutgers Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on TCU +5

Off a disastrous 2012-13 campaign, the TCU Horned Frogs came into the 2013-14 season way undervalued. They remain that way as a home underdog to the West Virginia Mountaineers in their Big 12 opener Saturday when they really should be the favorite.

TCU has opened 9-3 this year while going 5-1 ATS in all lined games to show how underrated it really is. Two of the three losses came against very good SMU and Harvard teams on a neutral court. The Frogs have gone on the road and beaten Washington State (64-62) as a 14-point dog, and Mississippi State (71-61) as an 8.5-point dog. They have also beaten Tulsa twice.

West Virginia has been unimpressive en route to an 8-5 start this season. It doesn't have a good win all season as its eight victories have come against the likes of Mount St. Mary's, Duquesne, Georgia Southern, Presbyterian, Old Dominion, Loyola-Maryland, Marshall and William & Mary. The Mountaineers were at least a 7.5-point favorite in all of those games.

The Mountaineers are 1-10 ATS vs. good free throw shooting teams that make 72% or more of their attempts over the past two seasons. West Virginia is 0-6 ATS in its last six vs. Big 12 opponents. The Mountaineers are 7-22-1 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. WVU is 16-33-2 ATS in its last 51 games overall. Take TCU Saturday.

20* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Kansas State +6.5

The Kansas State Wildcats get the call Saturday as a home underdog to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Cowboys are one of the most overrated teams in the country due to playing a pretty soft schedule up to this point and getting through it at 12-1.

Kansas State is playing its best basketball of the season heading into this win, winning eight straight games while going 6-1 ATS in lined games in the process. That includes wins over Ole Miss (61-58) and Gonzaga (72-62) to prove that they are for real. Their last two games weren't even close as they rolled over Tulane (72-41) and George Washington (72-55).

The Wildcats have owned the Cowboys in recent meetings. They have gone 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with their only loss coming by a final of 70-76 on the road last season. I like that dominance to continue in the Big 12 opener today with likely an outright victory, though I'll gladly take the points for some insurance.

Kansas State is 8-1 ATS in home games versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% over the last two seasons. The Wildcats are 16-1 ATS in their last 17 home games after two straight wins by 10 or more points. The Cowboys are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Roll with Kansas State Saturday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington +17.5

The Washington Huskies are showing tremendous value as a massive road underdog to the Arizona Wildcats today. I'll take advantage and back them as 17.5-point underdog fresh off their biggest win of the season.

I was all over the Huskies last time out as they went into Arizona State and came away with a 76-65 victory as a 10.5-point underdog. I still believe this team is underrated and their best is yet to come. There's no question that the Wildcats will bring out the best in them.

Arizona is the No. 1 ranked team in the country and for good reason. However, it has created expectations for itself that it simply cannot live up to in the near future now that we have entered conference play. That is especially the case off a 60-25 win over Washington State. There's no question that the value in this game is with the Huskies, especially considering that the Wildcats could be looking ahead to UCLA.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (WASHINGTON) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 26-7 (78.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Arizona is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games following a home win over a conference rival. Lorenzo Romar is 22-6 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points in all games he has coached. The Huskies are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Take Washington Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Early ANNIHILATOR on Nebraska +17.5

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are going to be one of the most improved teams in the country by season's end. I believe they show that tonight and hang with a very good Ohio State team to stay within this inflated number, giving us the cover.

The Cornhuskers have played three very tough games in their last five contests overall, which will have them battle-tested heading into this showdown. They lost at Creighton (67-82), at Cincinnati (69-74) and at Iowa (57-67). This is a team that returned all five starters from a year ago and will be competitive in Big Ten play.

Ohio State is overvalued due to opening the season 14-0. It has created expectations for itself in terms of the point spread heading into conference play that it cannot live up to. Plus, I fully expect the Buckeyes to be looking ahead to their showdown against Michigan State on Tuesday, which will also help allow the Huskers to stay within the number.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (OHIO ST) - after 8 or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season are 67-39 (63.2%) ATS over the last five seasons. Tim Miles is 11-1 ATS off a loss against a conference rival as the coach of Nebraska. Miles is 7-0 ATS in road games after playing two consecutive road games as the coach of Nebraska. Bet Nebraska Saturday.

15* Nebraska-Omaha/Hawaii CBB Midnight BAILOUT on Nebraska-Omaha +10

Nebraska-Omaha is a team that I have been on all season. I'm not about to stop now, especially catching them as a double-digit underdog against Hawaii tonight. This team will be ready to give the Warriors a fight tonight.

Despite playing a brutal schedule, the Mavericks have managed to open 10-4 and remain one of the most underrated teams in the country just because the betting public does not know about them. Their four losses have against quality competition, too.

Nebraska-Omaha lost at Iowa (75-83) as a 29.5-point underdog, at UNLV (70-73) as a 14-point dog, at Drake (80-88) as a 5.5-point dog, and at Minnesota (79-92) as a 16-point dog. As you can see, they have only lost by double-digits once all season, and No. 2 will not be coming tonight.

This is a Mavericks team that returned four starters from last season and does a lot of things right. They are scoring 84.9 points per game thanks in large part to their 78.2% from throw shooting. They don't foul often defensively, yielding an average of only 22 free throw attempts per game.

Nebraska-Omaha is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games. The Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven non-conference games. The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall. Roll with Nebraska-Omaha Friday.

15* CBB Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington +11

The Washington Huskies are showing tremendous value as a double-digit road underdog to Arizona State in their Pac-12 opener Thursday. I'll take advantage and snag all the points I can get in this one.

Washington comes in undervalued due to failing to cover the spread in three straight games heading into this contest. Arizona State is overvalued due to covering the spread in three straight coming in.

This has been a one-sided series in recent years to say the least. Indeed, Washington is a perfect 7-0 in its last seven meetings with Arizona State. That makes it mind-boggling that the books have made the Huskies a double-digit underdog when they simply dominate this series.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (WASHINGTON) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 25-7 (78.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.

The Huskies are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Washington is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 meetings at Arizona State. The road team is 16-6 ATS in the last 22 meetings. Roll with Washington Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Boston College +9.5

The Boston College Eagles are way undervalued due to their poor start. They returned all five starters and 96 percent of their scoring from last season, so I have no doubt that this team is better than it has shown thus far.

The reason the Eagles are undervalued here is because they have failed to cover the spread in five straight games coming in, while Harvard has covered in four straight leading up to this one. As a result, the public is on Harvard and off of Boston College.

Boston College is 97-64 ATS in its last 161 road games overall, including 36-19 ATS in its last 45 January road games. The Eagles are 71-43 ATS in their last 114 after having lost two of their last three games coming in. Harvard is 17-35 ATS in its last 52 games after allowing 80 points or more in its last game. Take Boston College Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Night Line Mistake on Northern Illinois +23.5

The Northern Illinois Huskies are showing tremendous value as a massive road underdog to the Iowa State Cyclones. They will be up for this game to try and knock off one of the top-ranked teams in the country.

The same cannot be said for Iowa State, which is coming off a huge tournament win in Hawaii. Now, Iowa State has its Big 12 opener on deck Saturday against Texas Tech, and it will be looking ahead to that game. I simply do not see the Cyclones being motivated enough tonight to cover this massive spread.

I've liked what I've seen so far from Northern Illinois, which returned four starters from last year and is 5-5 on the season. Four of its five losses have come by 13 points or less, including three by five points or fewer. The only exception was a 54-80 road loss to a very good UMass team as a 20.5-point dog. The Huskies have gone 3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall, which is impressive when you consider they were an underdog in each.

Northern Illinois is 8-1 ATS in road games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons. The Huskies are 11-1 ATS in road games after a game with 9 or less assists over the last 2 seasons. Northern Illinois is 57-37 ATS in its last 94 games as a road dog of 10 or more points. Take Northern Illinois Tuesday.

15* CBB Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Tennessee -2

The Tennessee Volunteers are showing tremendous value as only a 2-point home favorite over Virginia Monday. I'll gladly take advantage and back the Vols, who will be hungry after losing two of their past three games coming in.

Tennessee has played its best basketball at home this season. It is 5-1 at home, outscoring opponents by an average of 14.2 points per game. Virginia has only played one true road game all year, which was a 72-75 loss at Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Virginia is 16-32 ATS in its last 48 games as a road underdog of 6 points or less. Tennessee is 26-11 ATS in its last 37 home games with a line of +3 to -3. The Cavaliers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Virginia is 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 road games. Take Tennessee Monday.

15* Louisville/Kentucky CBB Saturday No-Brainer on Kentucky +2.5

This is a classic case where the defending champions are way overvalued. Louisville should not be favored on the road at Kentucky, and I'll gladly take advantage by backing the home dog in this one.

Kentucky is one of the best rebounding teams in the country. It is outrebounding opponents 44-31 on the season and averaging 14 offensive boards in the process. It is also shooting 35 free throws per game.

The Wildcats are 35-17 ATS off three straight games where they outrebounded their opponents by six or more since 1997. Kentucky is 72-48 ATS off a no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite since 1997. John Calipari has never lost as the coach off Kentucky off a combined score of 155 points or more in two straight games, going a perfect 6-0 ATS in this spot. Roll with Kentucky Saturday.

15* CBB Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on Louisiana-Monroe +25

The Ohio State Buckeyes are way overvalued right now due to their perfect 12-0 record and No. 3 ranking. I'll gladly fade them in their final non-conference game before Big Ten play. That makes this a huge lookahead spot for the Buckeyes, who play Purdue on December 31.

I've seen enough from Louisiana-Monroe this season against quality competition to make me believe that the Warhawks can be competitive. They have gone 4-1 ATS in their five lined games while playing some very good teams tough.

They lost 63-80 at Kansas as a 26-point underdog, 54-61 at Ole MIss as a 16.5-point dog, and 62-75 at LSU as a 15.5-point dog. If they can stay within 17 points of those three teams, who are all likely to make the NCAA Tournament, then they can certainly stay within 25 of Ohio State tonight.

Plays against favorites of 10 or more points off 10 or more consecutive wins are a healthy 145-92 (61.2%) ATS over the last five seasons. LA-Monroe is 7-0 ATS in road games off three consecutive non-conference games over the last three seasons. The Warhawks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight non-conference games. The Buckeyes are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games. Roll with Louisiana-Monroe Friday.

15* Iowa State/Boise State ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Iowa State -4.5

The Iowa State Cyclones are clearly one of the most underrated teams in the country. They have opened the season a perfect 10-0 while going 5-2 against the spread in lined games. They will be going for their best start in school history Wednesday, so they clearly want to accomplish that feat.

That shouldn't be a problem against a Boise State team that hasn't beaten anybody this season. It has lost to its two toughest opponents in Kentucky (55-70) and St. Mary's (74-82). It also barely escaped with a 62-61 victory over Hawaii a couple days ago to open up this tournament.

Iowa State has beaten three of the best teams in the country en route to this 10-0 start to really prove that it is for real. It has taken down the likes of Michigan, BYU and Iowa already this season, and Boise State is not as good as any of those three squads.

The Cyclones are 39-17 ATS in their last 56 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Iowa State is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games overall. The Broncos are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a wining record. Boise State is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%. Roll with Iowa State Wednesday.

15* CBB Sunday Night Line Mistake on California +11

The California Bears are showing tremendous value as a double-digit underdog to Creighton tonight. This is going to be one of the better teams in the Pac-12 despite some early struggles.

This is a classic case of overvalued and undervalued at its finest. Cal has favored to cover the spread in three straight games coming in, while Creighton has covered the spread in three straight. This automatically creates the kind of line value that is hard to pass up.

Cal's three losses this season have come against very good competition on the road in Syracuse, Dayton and UC-Santa Barbara. Creighton has some ugly losses to San Diego State and George Washington on a neutral court despite being a favorite in both contests, so this team is vulnerable.

Cal is outrebounding its opponents 40-33 on the season, and getting to the free throw line 24 times per game. Creighton is only outrebounding foes 37-32 and getting to the line 21 times per game.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (CALIFORNIA) - after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread are 116-58 (66.7%) ATS over the last five seasons. This trend just goes to show that you should back a cold team ATS against a hot team ATS, especially when catching double-digits on the road. Bet California Sunday.

15* UConn/Washington ESPNU No-Brainer on Washington +6

Washington is off to just a 6-4 start this season, but all but one of its losses have come against quality competition. Three of its four losses have come to Indiana, Boston College and San Diego State, which were all on the road.

The Huskies have played very well over the past month, winning four of their last five games with their only loss coming at San Diego State by a final of 63-70 as an 11-point underdog. They are 5-1 at home this season where they are putting up 85.3 points per game on the season.

UConn is overvalued due to its 9-1 start. This team has won a whopping four games by two points or less and by a combined five points. That's how close this team is to being a 5-5 squad right now.

What's most amazing about that is that UConn has yet to play a true road game this season. It will be traveling all the way out to the west coast to play in a hostile environment. UConn has lost three of its past four non-conference true road games dating to last season.

UConn is only even with teams in rebounding margin this season. It is only grabbing seven offensive boards per game while giving up 11. Washington is outrebounding opponents 37-33 on the year. While UConn is only getting to the free throw line 20 times per game, Washington is getting to the charity stripe 26 times per contest, cashing in 77.6% of them.

UConn is 0-6 ATS versus good foul drawing teams who attempt at least 25 free throws per game over the past two seasons. UConn is 0-6 ATS in road games off two straight non-conference games over the last two years. Take Washington Sunday.

20* Oklahoma State/Colorado ESPN 2 Late-Night BAILOUT on Colorado +6.5

The Colorado Buffaloes are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They continue to get no respect from oddsmakers Saturday as a 6.5-point underdog against Oklahoma State in a game that they should be favored in.

Colorado returned four starters from last year and will be an NCAA Tournament team in 2014. It has opened 10-1 with impressive wins over the likes of Kansas, Harvard and UC-Santa Barbara.

What I like most about the Buffaloes is their rebounding and free throw shooting. They are outrebounding opponents 40-30 on the season, which is one of the best margins in the country. They are also getting to the line 32 times per game, converting 70.5% of them.

Oklahoma State has arguably the best trio of guards in the country. However, the Cowboys will be overmatched on the glass in this one, which will be the difference in the game. They are only outrebounding their opponents 39-36 on the season against a pretty soft schedule to this point.

Colorado is 9-1 ATS versus good shooting teams that make 48% of their shots or better over the last three seasons. The Buffaloes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven neutral site games. Oklahoma State is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above 60%. Bet Colorado Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Night Line Mistake on Texas Tech +11.5

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a much-improved team this season under former National Championship winner, Tubby Smith. Smith has taken 17 of his last 20 teams to the NCAA Tournament, and it won't be long before he gets the Red Raiders there, too.

Fortunately for Smith, the cupboard wasn't bare to start the season. The Red Raiders welcomed back four starters this year, and they have opened a solid 7-4 to this point. Their four losses have come to four of the better teams in the country in Arizona, Pittsburgh, LSU and Alabama. So, this team is certainly battle-tested.

Arizona State is simply getting too much respect here as I don't believe it has a win of any significance yet. However, it does have two losses that make me believe that this team is overrated. The Sun Devils fell 60-88 to Creighton and 57-60 to a depleted Miami team on a neutral court.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (TEXAS TECH) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 25-6 (80.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. Roll with Texas Tech Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on UAB +9.5

The UAB Blazers continue to go under the radar as a 9.5-point underdog Saturday. Asking LSU to win by double-digits to beat us is simply asking too much, and I'll take advantage and back the Blazers in a game that will go right down to the wire.

UAB returned four starters from last season and has opened a solid 9-2. That record is very impressive when you consider that they have already played New Mexico, Nebraska, Temple and North Carolina. Against the two toughest teams they've face, they beat UNC 63-59 at home, and only lost 94-97 to New Mexico on a neutral court.

What I love about the Blazers is that they are the best rebounding team in the country, averaging 48.2 boards per game, which including 15 offensive rebounds per contest. They are outrebounding their opponents by a whopping 13 boards per game.

LSU usually has an advantage over teams on the glass because of its height, but that won't be the case here. Another factor to watch is that the Tigers are only getting to the free throw line 20 times per game and making just 64.4% of them. They aren't an aggressive team when it comes to drawing fouls.

Plays on road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (UAB) - in a game involving 2 up-tempo teams (>=60 shots/game), after 2 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 37% or less are 24-3 (88.9%) ATS since 1997. LSU is 0-10 ATS in its last 10 home games off a close road win by three points or less. The Tigers are 4-16 ATS in their last 20 games as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points. Take UAB Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on Northern Iowa +10.5

The Northern Iowa Panthers have played a brutal early schedule that will have them battle-tested heading into this showdown at Virginia, which will certainly help them be competitive and possibly pull off the upset.

Indeed, the Panthers have played George Mason, Maryland, La Salle, Iowa State and VCU already this season. They took an undefeated and Top 15 Iowa State team to overtime, while beating VCU 77-68 last time out.

That's the same VCU team that went on the road and beat Virginia 59-56 back on November 12, giving these teams a common opponent. Virginia has been off for a whopping two weeks since a 72-75 loss at Wisconsin-Green Bay, and I look for it to be rusty in this contest as a result.

Virginia has three losses already this season without a good win. The Cavaliers are 3-11 ATS In their last 14 games overall. Virginia is 1-5 ATS in its last six home games. Bet Northern Iowa Saturday.

15* CBB Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on Nebraska-Omaha +15

The Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks are one of the most underrated teams in the entire country. They have opened the season 8-3 SU and 4-1 ATS in their lined games. From what I've seen against solid competition, I have no doubt that the Mavericks can stay within 15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers Friday night.

Nebraska-Omaha returned four starters from last season. CJ Carter (15.1 ppg) has led the way, but John Karhoff (13.0 ppg), Devin Patterson (12.6 ppg) and Marcus Tyus (9.9 ppg) have all made significant contributions as well.

The Mavericks' only three losses this season came on the road at Iowa (75-83) as a 29.5-point dog, at UNLV (70-73) as a 14-point dog and at Drake (80-88) as a 5.5-point dog. As you can see, they have lost a game by more than eight points all season. If they can stay within eight of Iowa, they can certainly do so against Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers are a quality team this season with an 8-2 record. However, it's not like they have blown away some of their poorest competition. They only beat Lehigh (81-62), Coastal Carolina (82-72), New Orleans (80-65) and South Dakota State (75-59) at home. They also only beat Chaminade (83-68) as a 20-point road favorite. Nebraska-Omaha is a much better squad than all five of those teams.

Plays against home favorites of 10 or more points (MINNESOTA) - after allowing 65 points or less three straight games against opponent after two straight wins by 6 points or less are 22-5 (81.5%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games. Bet Nebraska-Omaha Friday.

15* CBB Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Troy +14

The Cal-Santa Barbara Gauchos are getting too much respect from oddsmakers here as a 14-point favorite over Troy. They have a rematch with Utah State on deck tomorrow, and they will certainly be looking ahead to that contest and not giving Troy the attention it deserves.

The Trojans have played a couple of good teams tough this season to make be believe that they can hang with UCSB. They lost on the road to both Ole Miss (54-69) and UAB (69-81) as a 15-point underdog in each. That's the same UAB team that beat UNC.

Santa Barbara is a quality team, but it is getting too much respect for recent wins over Cal and San Diego. It has done most of its damage at home this season, and this will be a neutral court game played in Utah. The Gauchos do have three losses on the year, so they are clearly beatable.

The Trojans are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Troy is 6-0 ATS off a road loss in which it scored less than 60 points over the past two seasons. The Trojans are 18-7 ATS off a loss by 20 or more points since 1997. Take Troy Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Indiana State +10

The Saint Louis Billikens are way overvalued this season due to making the NCAA Tournament last year. Sure, they returned a lot of talent from that team, but asking them to beat a very good Indiana State team by double-digits tonight is asking too much.

The Sycamores have opened 7-2 this season and are two measly points away from being undefeated. Their two losses have both come on the road to Belmont (95-96) and Tulsa (62-63) by a single point. That's the same Belmont team that beat North Carolina on the road.

Indiana State really proved what it was capable of with an 83-70 win at Notre Dame as an 11-point underdog on November 17. This is a team that returned four starters from last year and will be underrated for most of the season, so it's important that you hop on board early to take advantage of the value.

The Sycamores are scoring 79.1 points per game while shooting 50% from the field, 44.8% from 3-point range, and 75.2% from the line. To compare, Saint Louis is scoring 70.5 points per game, shooting 43.7% from the field, 30.2% from 3-point range, and 70.7% from the charity stripe.

It's easy to see that Saint Louis is overvalued considering it is just 2-7 ATS in all lined games this season. The Billikens are 0-9 ATS off three straight games where both teams scored 70 points or less over the past two seasons. Bet Indiana State Wednesday.

15* Texas/UNC ESPN 2 Holiday Hoops ANNIHILATOR on Texas +11

The Texas Longhorns are one of the most underrated teams in the league this year. They have gone completely under the radar while opening the season 9-1. They have won five straight since their lone loss of the season to then-No. 25 BYU.

Center Cameron Ridley scored a game-high 22, while freshman point guard Isaiah Taylor added 15 points and eight assists without a turnover in an 85-53 win over Texas State Saturday. The Longhorns featured a balanced offensive attack with five players averaging double figures scoring.

North Carolina is in a massive letdown spot here. It is coming off an 82-77 home win over then-No. 11 Kentucky, and I look for it to suffer a letdown off such a big victory. Remember, the Tar Heels lost to UAB and Belmont earlier this season, so they are vulnerable. They are simply getting too much respect here as a double-digit favorite due to the Kentucky win.

Rick Barnes and Texas have gone 4-1 against Roy Williams and North Carolina in their last five meetings. That includes an 85-67 home win for the Longhorns last year despite behind a 5-point underdog. That Texas team wasn't nearly as good as this year's version.

The Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with UNC. North Carolina is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games following a win. The Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last six vs. Big 12 foes. UNC is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Roll with Texas Wednesday.

15* Memphis/Florida ESPN Tuesday No-Brainer on Florida -3

Now that they have finally gotten healthy and have all their key players back from suspension, the Florida Gators are going to be a very dangerous team going forward. They proved that last time out with a 67-61 victory over Kansas, and I look for them to build off that win with another triumph over Memphis tonight.

Florida has opened 7-2 this season with its only two losses coming on the road to Wisconsin (53-59) and UConn (64-65). As you may know, both Wisconsin (12-0) and UConn (9-0) remain undefeated this season. The loss to the Badgers came without some key players, while the loss to the Huskies game on a game-winning buzzer-beater.

Memphis (7-1) is a quality team that is improved this season, but I just believe that Florida is on a completely different playing field. The 80-101 loss at Oklahoma State early in the season shows me that the Tigers aren't ready to compete with the best teams in college basketball. Sure, they would beat the Cowboys in their second meeting, but that was obviously a letdown spot for OSU.

The Gators are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games following a ATS win. Florida is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall. Memphis is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 vs. SEC foes. The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last four Tuesday games. Billy Donovan is 54-37 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 as the coach of the Gators. Roll with Florida Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Wake Forest -6

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are much-improved this season and will be making a run at the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Bzdelik returned four starters from last year, and this is a sleeper team to look out for in the ACC.

The Demon Deacons have opened 8-2 this season with their only losses coming to very good Kansas and Tennessee teams on a neutral court. They are a perfect 7-0 at home this year, which includes a solid win over Richmond (76-66) last time out as only a 1-point favorite.

St. Bonaventure may be 7-3 this season, but it really has played a soft schedule It has not beaten anyone of any significance this year. It has lost to Siena, Louisiana Tech and Buffalo, while barely escaping with victories over Wagner (70-67) and UMass-Lowell (67-58). Leading scorer Matthew Wright (17.3 ppg) is questionable to play tonight with an ankle injury after missing Saturday's game against Iona.

Wake Forest is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games vs. Atlantic 10 opponents. The Demon Deacons are 7-2 ATS in their last nine non-conference games. Wake Forest is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 home games. Take Wake Forest Tuesday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on La Salle +14

The La Salle Explorers made it all the way to the Sweet 16 last year. They returned six of their top seven players from that squad, including second-leading scorer Tyreek Duren (13.6 ppg), who has scored 47 points while dishing out 10 assists in his last two meetings with Villanova.

I believe the Explorers came into this season overconfident with so much experience back from last year's Sweet 16 team. After a poor 5-4 start, I have no doubt this team will get it together sooner rather than later. A game against Big 5 rival Villanova will certainly spark their interest.

The Wildcats come into this game overvalued due to their 9-0 start and first Top 10 ranking since February of 2011. They'll be taking on a La Salle team that is clearly not afraid of them after winning 77-74 at home last season.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (VILLANOVA) - after 8 or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season are 63-33 (65.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. La Salle is 6-0 ATS in road games after playing a game where both teams score 65 points or less over the last 3 seasons. Bet La Salle Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on North Dakota State +14.5

The Ohio State Buckeyes are way overvalued right now due to their 9-0 start against a very soft schedule. I would argue that North Dakota State will be the toughest opponent that the Buckeyes have faced all season.

This is an NDSU team that will likely be going to the NCAA Tournament this year with all five starters back. It has won five straight games coming in, which includes impressive road wins over both Santa Clara and Notre Dame.

With this being Finals Week for Ohio State, I expect the players to have been lacking focus leading up to this game. Also, the home crowd won't be as fierce as it normally would be. Both of these factors favor a cover by NDSU.

Plays against home favorites of 10 or more points (OHIO ST) - after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games against opponent after 2 straight wins by 6 points or less are 22-4 (84.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bison are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 non-conference games. The Buckeyes are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games. Bet North Dakota State Saturday.

15* Xavier/Cincinnati Rivalry Play on Cincinnati -4.5

The Cincinnati Bearcats are showing excellent value as a mere 4.5-point favorite over rival Xavier Saturday. I'll take advantage and back them in what I believe is going to be a lopsided final similar to the 60-45 beat down the Bearcats gave the Musketeers last season.

Cincinnati has three starters back from that squad and has opened 7-1 this season with its only loss coming at New Mexico, which is a plays that opponents rarely win. All seven of the Bearcats' wins have come by double-digits this year.

Xavier also has three starters back from last year, but it's easy to see that this team isn't very good. It was beaten by both Tennessee (49-64) and USC (78-84) on a neutral court. Last time out, it barely beat Evansville (63-60) despite being a 10-point home favorite.

Plays against neutral court teams (XAVIER) - off a close home win by 3 points or less, a good team (60% to 80%) playing a team with a winning record are 25-6 (80.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bearcats are 6-0 ATS as a neutral court favorite or pick over the last three seasons. Roll with Cincinnati Saturday.

15* New Mexico/Kansas ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Kansas -5.5

This is essentially a home game for Kansas as it will be played at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. I look for the Jayhawks to be highly motivated for a win Saturday after losing two straight and three of their last four games coming in.

A closer look shows that those three losses came against some of the best teams in the country. They fell to Villanova (59-63), Colorado (72-75) and Florida (61-67) all on the road by a combined 13 points. They beat Duke (94-83) on a neutral court earlier this season, so they are certainly battle-tested.

New Mexico has beaten up on a pretty soft schedule. It did get a good win at home over Cincinnati last time out, but again, that was at home and this team just does not lose at home. In their toughest game of the season, the Lobos were handled by UMass 81-65 on a neutral court.

The Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. New Mexico is 1-4 ATS in its last five games following a win. Take Kansas Saturday.

20* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Boise State -3

The Boise State Broncos are one of the most underrated teams in all of college basketball. They returned all five starters from last season, and they have opened 8-1 this year with their only loss coming at Kentucky by a final of 55-70.

While St. Mary's has also started strong, opening 8-0, it has yet to play a road game. Plus, it has played a very soft schedule. Boise State is 6-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents 89.5 to 64.5, or by an average of 25.0 points per game.

Plays on a favorite (BOISE ST) - off an embarrassing road loss scoring less than 60 points, with all five starters returning from last season are 81-40 (66.9%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss. Bet Boise State Saturday.

15* Maryland/Boston College ACC No-Doubt Rout on Boston College +2

The Boston College Eagles are way undervalued due to their 3-6 start to the season. I have no doubt that this team is better than it has shown as it returned 96 percent of its scoring from last year. This team finished strong last season, and I look for them to pick up their play tonight.

Maryland is getting too much respect as a road favorite in this one when it has no business being one. The Terrapins don't have too many impressive wins this year, and they are coming off back-to-back losses to Ohio State (60-76) and George Washington (75-77). They also lost to Oregon State (83-90) at home and are just 5-4 on the season.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series over the past couple of years. The home team is a perfect 4-0 in the last four meetings. Boston College won by a final of 69-58 at home against Maryland last year, and with 96 percent of its scoring back from that team, I expect a similar result. The Terrapins lost center Alex Len to the NBA and have taken a step back this year.

Boston College is 71-40 ATS after having lost two of its last three games since 1997. The underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in this series. Maryland is 12-25 ATS in its last 37 December road games. The Terrapins are 3-11 ATS after having won four or five of their last six games over the last three seasons. Roll with Boston College Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Wisconsin-Milwaukee +18

The books are giving the Wisconsin Badgers way too much respect tonight, and we'll take advantage by backing the underdog Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers in this one. The Badgers are 10-0 this season which is why they are getting so much respect, but now they have created expectations for themselves that they cannot live up to.

It's not like Wisconsin has been blowing teams out during this unbeaten start on a regular basis. Indeed, eight of those 10 wins have come by 11 points or less. So, in all reality, the Badgers have simply been lucky to win every close game.

Their only two blowout wins came against lowly North Dakota (103-85) and Bowling Green (88-64). So, they have only won one game this season by more than 18 points. Coming off a huge win over in-state rival Marquette on Saturday, the Badgers are in a letdown spot here.

Wisconsin-Milwaukee is one of the most improved teams in the country in 2013. It has opened 9-2 this season with its only losses coming to DePaul (71-80) and Loyola-Illinois (72-76) by a combined 13 points. It has impressive wins over Davidson and Northern Illinois on the road, as well as home wins over Northern Iowa and Bradley.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (WISCONSIN) - after eight or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season are 62-29 (68.1%) ATS over the last five seasons. This trend just goes to show that fading a team on a long winning streak that is undefeated is a very profitable move simply because that team is overvalued, which is clearly the case tonight.

The Panthers are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games. Wisconsin-Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last six non-conference games. The Badgers are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. Horizon League opponents. Roll with Wisconsin-Milwaukee Wednesday.

15* Boise State/Kentucky ESPN No-Brainer on Boise State +11

Boise State is one of the most underrated teams in college basketball. It returned all five starters from last season and has opened a perfect 8-0 this season as a result. This is one team not only to watch out for now, but in the NCAA Tournament as well.

The Broncos are excellent perimeter shooters, which is why they rank as the nation's No. 2 scoring offense at nearly 92 points per game. They shoot 51.9% overall, 40.2% from 3-points range and 75.3% from the free throw line. They have five players scoring in double figures, so they certainly share the ball well, too.

Kentucky is one of the most overrated teams in the country in the early going due to all the hype that its recruiting class received in the offseason. It has already lost two games to Michigan State and Baylor in its toughest two games of the season on neutral courts. The rest of the Wildcats' schedule has been a cake walk, though they struggled to beat Cleveland State (68-61) at home as a 24.5-point favorite.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (BOISE ST) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 24-4 (85.7%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Broncos are 6-0 ATS after allowing 55 points or less over the last three seasons. Roll with Boise State Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota -15.5

The Minnesota Golden Gophers should be a much bigger favorite tonight over the South Dakota State Jack Rabbits. I look for them to blow the opposition out of the building by 20-plus points tonight.

I like what I've seen from the Golden Gophers thus far under first-year head coach Richard Pitino. He has led them to an 8-2 start with their only losses coming on a neutral court to solid Syracuse and Arkansas teams. They have an impressive road win at Richmond (74-59) as a 1.5-point dog, and a great home win over Florida State (71-61) as a 3.5-point favorite, so they are certainly battle-tested.

South Dakota State is just 4-6 this season with its four wins coming against the likes of SW Minnesota State, Dakota State, Lehigh and Howard. As you can see, none were impressive. This team is simply overmatched tonight, and it will show in the final score.

The Golden Gophers are 6-0 SU & 3-0 ATS at home this season where they are outscoring opponents by an average of 17.0 points per game. The Jack Rabbits are 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS on the road this season, getting outscored by an average of 15.6 points per game. That includes road losses to the likes of Texas Tech (54-68), UC-Santa Barbara (64-83) and Stanford (60-92). None of those three teams are as strong as Minnesota.

SDSU is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games overall. The Jack Rabbits are 0-6 ATS in their last seven road games. SDSU is 0-7 ATS in its last seven road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%. The Gophers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven home games. These four trends combine for a 25-1 system backing Minnesota. Plus, the Gophers beat SDSU by a final of 88-64 at home last season. Bet Minnesota Tuesday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington +14.5

This is a classic case of one team being overvalued due solid streak, while another team is undervalued because of a poor streak coming in. Washington has failed to cover each of its last four games, while San Diego State has covered three of its last four coming in. This has created some excellent line value on the underdog Huskies.

Sure, Washington is off to a slow start this season at just 4-3, but two of its losses have come against quality opponents in Indiana and Boston College on a neutral court. This team is not as bad as its record would indicate, and a slow start has it way undervalued.

I really like what I've seen from the Huskies on the offensive end. They are putting up 84.1 points per game against opponents that are only allowing an average of 73 points per game on the season. They have five players averaging at least 10.3 points per game, led by returning starter Chris Wilcox (22.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 42.3% 3-pointers).

San Diego State is a good team but one that is getting way too much respect as a double-digit favorite here. It is getting that respect due to a 6-1 start with its only loss coming to Arizona. However, each of its last three wins have come by 8 points or less, including a 65-64 win at San Diego last time out as a 6.5-point favorite.

The Huskies will be the more rested and prepared team coming into this one. They have not played since November 30 in a home win over Long Beach State. The Aztecs last played on December 5 in their 1-point win at San Diego. So, that will be a huge advantage for Washington as it will be more prepared for this game coming in.

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (WASHINGTON) - after failing to cover 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread are 130-68 (65.7%) ATS over the last five seasons. This trend just goes to show how profitable it can be to back a team that has been struggling ATS of late against a team that has been dominating ATS of late. Books over-adjust, creating line value on the struggling team. Roll with Washington Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Letdown Spot on UNC-Greensboro +27.5

The North Carolina Tar Heels won't even show up Saturday. They are in a huge letdown spot after beating No. 1 Michigan State on Wednesday by a final of 79-65 on the road. Now, they have Kentucky on deck, so they will be looking ahead to that game as well. I fully expect the Tar Heels to just go through the motions Saturday, which will allow Greensboro to stay within this massive spread.

Remember, North Carolina lost to both Belmont (80-83) and UAB (59-63) already this season, so this team is extremely vulnerable. All five of its wins have come by 23 points or less, which includes a 62-54 home win over Holy Cross as a 21-point favorite.

North Carolina is 1-7 ATS in its last eight games following a S.U. win. The Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following an ATS win. UNC will not show up at all in this one. Take UNC-Greensboro Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Line Mistake on Northeastern -1

Few teams in the country have played a schedule as tough as the one that Northeastern has gone up against. It has opened 2-6, which includes an upset win over Georgetown (63-56) as a 13.5-point underdog.

The six losses have all come by 13 points or less, including five by 9 points or fewer. Five of the six have come on the road, including setbacks against very good Charlotte (77-86), Florida State (60-62) and VCU (66-79) teams. The home loss came against Harvard (64-72), which is expected to make the NCAA Tournament.

The Huskies have not been a favorite in any game this season. This is the first time they will be favored, which comes as no surprise considering this is just their second home game of the season. I really like what I've seen from the three star players on this team in Scott Eatherton (16.4 ppg, 10.6 rpg), David Walker (12.2 ppg, 3.0 apg) and Reggie Spencer (11.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg).

UAB is in a massive letdown spot here. It is coming off a huge 63-59 home win over North Carolina as a 7.5-point underdog. That was arguably the biggest win in school history, and one that it's going to be hard for the players to get over. I look for the Blazers to come out flat because of it, and for the Huskies to come out hungry following four consecutive losses against very good competition.

The Blazers are 2-9 ATS in road games versus very good shooting teams who make 45% of their shots or better over the past two seasons. They are losing 67.6 to 76.5 in this spot, or by an average of 8.9 points per game. UAB is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 road games. The Huskies are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following an ATS loss. Roll with Northeastern Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Bounce-Back BLOWOUT on Northwestern -5.5

The Northwestern Wildcats should be a much bigger favorite here against Western Michigan. I'll take advantage and back them as a short home favorite in a game I believe they'll win by double-digits.

Northwestern is undervalued right now due to a 4-5 start against an absolutely brutal schedule. All five losses have come against quality teams in Stanford, Illinois State, Missouri, UCLA and NC State. Four of those losses came on the road in games they were an underdog in, so they were supposed to lose.

Western Michigan is overvalued due to its 5-2 start which has come against soft competition. Its five wins have come against Cornell, Oakland, Alabama A&M, Tennessee State and New Mexico. Only one of those wins came in the role of the underdog. WMU also lost to Hawaii (68-78) on the road and North Dakota State (74-83) at home.

Off three straight losses, Northwestern will be happy to return home where it is 3-1 on the season and outscoring opponents by 7.5 points per game. Western Michigan is 1-9 ATS in road games after having won 5 or 6 of its last 7 games over the past three seasons. It is losing in this spot by 11.2 points per game. Roll with Northwestern Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Southern Illinois -3.5

The Southern Illinois Salukis deserve to be getting more respect than they are Saturday. I'll take advantage and back them as a slim 3.5-point home favorite against Western Kentucky in what I fully expect to be a double-digit blowout by game's end.

Southern Illinois is undervalued right now due to its 2-6 start. A closer look shows that it has been up against a brutal schedule, and it has been unfortunate in close games. Three of its six losses came by 4 points or less, and all six have been by 13 or fewer.

Also, five of the six losses have come in the role of the underdog, so the Salukis were supposed to lose. Two of those were against Missouri (59-72) as a 16.5-point underdog, and Saint Louis (67-76) as a 12.5-point dog. They hung with both of those teams to really show their potential.

Now, the Salukis are in the role of the favorite for the first time all season. They deserve to be against a Western Kentucky team that is overrated at 4-3 this season. Its four wins have all come at home against E. Tennessee State (57-50), UNC-Wilmington (73-58), Samford (67-64) and E. Illinois (68-53).

The Hilltoppers are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS on the road this season with double-digit losses to Wichita State (49-66) as a 15.5-point dog, Marshall (64-74) as a 3.5-point dog, and Bowling Green (62-74) as a 2-point favorite. This team is clearly overrated and should be a bigger dog today.

Adding fuel to the fire for the Salukis is the fact that they have lost three straight to the Hilltoppers by 7 points or less, including last year's 57-58 road loss. They'll want revenge, and I fully expect them to get it today.

This will only be the 3rd home game of the year for the Salukis. Southern Illinois is 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games. Western Kentucky is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 road games vs. a team with a .500 or better home record. Southern Illinois is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games vs. a team with a winning record. WKU is 0-6 ATS in road games after playing a road game over the past two seasons. Take Southern Illinois Saturday.

20* CBB GAME OF THE WEEK on Fordham +11.5

The St. John's Red Storm are coming off a big 69-58 win over Georgia Tech on a neutral court. With a date with one of the top teams in the country in Syracuse on deck, I have no doubt that the Red Storm will be overlooking Fordham in this one.

This is a very good Fordham team that is one of the most underrated in the country. It has opened 4-2 with one of its two losses coming at Syracuse by a final of 74-89 as a 19.5-point underdog. If the Rams can stay within 15 of Syracuse on the road, they can certainly stay within 11 of the Red Storm.

St. John's really doesn't have a good win yet. It has some ugly wins, however. It only beat Bucknell 67-63 as a 7-point home favorite, and Monmouth 64-54 as a 20-point favorite. It also has losses to Wisconsin (75-86) on a neutral court as a 5-point dog, and to Penn State (82-89) on a neutral court as a 3-point favorite.

Fordham returned five of its top six scorers from last season. Leading the way this season has been the three-headed monster of Jon Severe (23.2 ppg, 42.1% 3-pointers), Branden Frazier (18.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.2 apg) and Mandell Thomas (15.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.7 apg). With these three, the Rams are capable of competing with just about anyone in the country.

Fordham is 4-0 ATS in its last four meetings with St. John's. Fordham covered as a 13.5-point road underdog in a 58-47 loss at St. John's last year, covered as an 11.5-point road dog in a 56-50 loss at St. John's in 2011, and won outright as a 14-point home underdog by a final of 84-81 in 2010. Clearly, the Rams are not afraid of the Red Storm.

St. John's is 4-15 ATS as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997. St. John's is 1-12 ATS after allowing 60 points or less in its previous game over the past three seasons. Fordham is 21-8 ATS in its last 29 games overall. The Rams are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games. The Red Storm are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games following a S.U. win. Bet Fordham Saturday.

15* CBB Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on California -1.5

The Cal Golden Bears should be a much bigger favorite tonight over Cal Santa Barbara. This is a Cal team that returned four starters from last season and is way undervalued right now due to suffering two early losses.

However, both of those losses came against two of the better teams in the country in Syracuse and Dayton. Cal has taken care of business against everyone else, and I look for it to come up with an easy victory over UCSB tonight as well.

Santa Barbara is getting too much respect due to beating UNLV on the road earlier this season. That UNLV team is way down this year, and they are getting too much credit for it. They have lost to Utah State, Colorado and UCLA since, and they'll be overmatched by the Bears in this one as well.

Cal is 4-0 in its last four meetings with UCSB, winning all four by seven or more points. UCSB is 3-15 ATS versus teams who are called for 17 or less fouls per game over the past three seasons. Cal is 18-7 ATS as a road favorite of three points or less since 1997. Cal is 44-18 ATS in road games after having lost two of its last three games since 1997. The Bears are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. Big West opponents. Take Cal Friday.

15* CBB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Kansas State -1.5

The Kansas State Wildcats are looking for a statement win tonight against Ole Miss to get their season back on track. They have opened 4-3 this year, but two of those losses came against very good Charlotte and Georgetown teams on a neutral court. They have been much better since, posting back-to-back blowout victories over Long Beach State (52-38) and Central Arkansas (87-54).

Ole Miss is way overrated in the early going due to its 6-0 start against soft competition. It has only played on true road game this year, and struggled to beat Coastal Carolina by a final of 72-70 on November 16. The Rebels will be playing in a much tougher atmosphere in Manhattan, KS tonight.

Kansas State went 15-1 at home last season and is now 18-2 at home over the past two seasons combined. Wildcats guard Will Spradling is hoping to get a lift from its fan base in Thursday's game. "It'll be a big game for us, a game to get the preseason turned around," the senior guard said. "We had a rocky start, but we should have a good home crowd tomorrow and a good home court advantage."

The Wildcats are 14-1 ATS in home games after two straight wins by 10 points or more since 1997. They are winning in this spot 80.7 to 60.1, or by an average of 20.6 points per game. Roll with Kansas State Thursday.

15* ACC/Big Ten Challenge GAME OF THE NIGHT on Boston College +4

The Boston College Eagles are way undervalued after starting the season 0-3. They have rebounded nicely to 3-4 with their only loss since coming by a final of 70-72 to unbeaten Connecticut as a 9-point underdog. In fact, three of Boston College's four losses this season have come by 4 points or less.

The Eagles returned 96 percent of their scoring from last season as they are one of the most experienced teams in the entire country. Olivier Hanlan (21.7 ppg) and Ryan Anderson (19.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg) are two of the best players in the entire country and fully capable of carrying the team.

Purdue is nowhere near as good as its 6-2 record would indicate. Its six wins have all come at home against the likes of Northern Kentucky (77-76), Central Connecticut State, Rider (81-77), Eastern Illinois and Siena (twice). Four of its six wins have come by 8 points or fewer. In its only two tough games, Purdue fell to Oklahoma State (87-97) and Washington State (54-69) on a neutral court.

Free throw shooting is very important this year. Boston College is averaging 22 makes on 26 attempts per game for an incredible 84.3% from the charity stripe. Purdue is only averaging 18 makes on 27 attempts per game for a 65.9% conversion rate.

Boston College is 39-23 ATS in its last 62 road games as an underdog of 6 points or less. The Boilermakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Purdue is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 non-conference games. Roll with Boston College Wednesday.

15* CBB Rivalry GAME OF THE NIGHT on Pennsylvania +18.5

The Villanova Wildcats are in a huge letdown spot tonight after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis title. The Wildcats posted back-to-back dramatic wins over quality teams in Kansas and Iowa to claim the title. They now have a Top 25 ranking, and are getting patted on the back.

Sure, Villanova has won 10 straight over Big Five rival Pennsylvania, but this has been a closely-contested series in recent years. Each of the last three meetings between these teams have been decided by 13 points or less.

Pennsylvania is just 2-4 this season, but it has played a tough schedule in the early going, and it returns all five starters from last season. Three of its four losses have come by 12 points or fewer. The only blowout came at Iowa as a 25-point underdog in a 31-point loss.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (VILLANOVA) - after having covered 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread, undefeated on the season are 30-12 (71.4%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Penn is 6-0 ATS in road games versus teams who attempt 21 or more 3 points shots/game over the past three seasons. The Quakers are 10-1 ATS in road games after a game where they made 88% of their free throws or better since 1997. Penn is 26-9 ATS in its last 35 road games after having lost 4 or 5 of its last 6 games coming in. Take Pennsylvania Wednesday.

20* College Basketball GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit +10

This is a classic early-season revenge spot for Detroit. After losing at home to Toledo by a final of 78-80 on November 23 as a 4-point underdog, I fully expect Detroit to give the Rockets a run for their money on the road tonight in the rematch.

Detroit has won three of its past five games overall with its two losses coming by a combined 4 points. That includes road wins at James Madison (71-67) as a 3.5-point underdog, and at South Florida (65-60) as a 9-point dog.

With an emphasis on more foul calls this season, Detroit makes for a solid team to back. That's because it is averaging 21 makes on 27 attempts per game, shooting a sensational 79.4% from the charity stripe this season.

The underdog is a perfect 5-0 against the spread in the last five meetings between these teams. The road team is 4-1 against the number in the last five meetings as well. The Titans are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall. Bet Detroit Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday GAME OF THE NIGHT on North Texas +19.5

The North Texas Mean Green get the call Tuesday night as a massive road underdog to the BYU Cougars. This line has been inflated, and we'll take advantage and back the Mean Green in what will be a closer game than oddsmakers are anticipating.

North Texas is off to a 5-3 start this season with all three of its losses coming by 13 points or less. That includes an 82-95 loss at Oklahoma as a 15.5-point underdog, which is an Oklahoma team that I believe is better than this BYU squad.

The Cougars have opened 6-2 this season, but they only have two wins by more than 11 points this year. Those came at home against their two easiest opponents in Mount St. Mary's (108-76) and Mesa College (84-60), which were games that didn't even have lines on them. Off a huge win over Utah State, and with UMass on deck, I believe this is a big letdown spot for BYU tonight.

North Texas is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games versus poor pressure defensive teams who force 14 or less turnovers per game. The Mean Green are 18-7 ATS after playing their last game on the road over the past three seasons. The Cougars are 17-36-1 ATS in their last 54 games following an ATS win. BYU is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 home games. The Mean Green are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bet North Texas Tuesday.

15* Florida/UConn ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Florida +5

I look for the Florida Gators to pull off the upset tonight at Connecticut, but I'll take the points for some insurance. The Huskies are way overvalued in the early going due to their perfect 7-0 start. A closer look shows that they are very fortunate to be unbeaten right now.

In fact, three of their wins have come by a combined four points! They have beaten Maryland (78-77), Boston College (72-70) and Indiana (59-58) all on neutral courts. I believe Florida is the best team that they have played yet. The Gators' only loss came at Wisconsin (53-59).

Florida has a huge edge in rebounding in this one. The Huskies have been outrebounded in three straight games, and they're allowing an average of 14.7 offensive rebounds per game on the season, which is one of the highest marks in the country. UConn gave up 20 to Loyola-Maryland in a lackluster 76-66 home victory last time out.

The Gators began a tough stretch of games with a 67-66 win over a very good Florida State team on Friday. The Gators grabbed 20 offensive rebounds in that contest. In fact, they have outrebounded each of their last five opponents while averaging 14.0 offensive boards during that stretch.

Connecticut is 0-9 against the spread after four or more consecutive wins over the past three seasons. This trend just goes to show you how overvalued the Huskies have been once they start to see some success, which is certainly the case here. Take Florida Monday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Wichita State +2

I would be surprised to see Wichita State as an underdog the rest of the year. This is a team that went to the Final Four last season, and somehow they're getting overlooked in 2013-14. I'll take advantage and back the Shockers as a dog here.

The Shockers have opened 7-0 this season with seven straight victories by double-digits. That includes a 77-54 road win at Tulsa, and victories over both Depaul (90-72) and BYU (74-62) on neutral courts.

Saint Louis is a quality team that returns similar talent to Wichita State from last year, but this team is obviously way overvalued in the early going. It has opened 6-1 this season with a loss to Wisconsin. I would argue that the Billikens don't have a good win yet.

The Shockers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Shockers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games. Wichita State is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 games overall. Take Wichita State Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Iowa -2

The Iowa Hawkeyes are off to a 7-0 start this season with five of those victories coming by 31 or more points. This is one of the deepest teams in the country that can handle playing three games in three days because of it.

The Hawkeyes have 10 players averaging more than 15 minutes per game. All ten of those players are averaging at least 4.6 points per contest, and all five starters are back from last year. This team is ranked in the Top 25 for a reason and will only continue to climb after beating Villanova Saturday.

The Wildcats are coming off a huge win over Kansas yesterday, and even though this is the championship game in the Battle 4 Atlantic, I look for them to suffer a letdown off such a big win.

The Hawkeyes are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 non-conference games. Iowa is 27-9 ATS in its last 36 games overall. The Hawkeyes are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games following a win. Iowa is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 games vs. a team with a winning record. Bet Iowa Saturday.

15* SDSU/Creighton CBB PLAY OF THE DAY on Creighton -4

The Creighton Bluejays returned four starters from last season and are one of the best players on the country. That includes Doug McDermott (23.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg), who is off to another monster start and may be the best players in all of college basketball. McDermott is averaging 27.4 points and 7.6 boards while leading the Bluejays to a perfect 5-0 start this season.

He is getting plenty of help, too. Devin Brooks (12.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Ethan Wragge (10.2 ppg) and Austin Chatman (9.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.4 apg) have fit in with McDermott nicely. The Bluejays have shot 51.5% or better in all five games this season, which is impressive considering they have faced three very good opponents. They beat both St. Joseph's (73-69) and Arizona State (88-60) on the road, as well as Tulsa (82-72) at home. They are shooting 53.5% from the field on the season.

San Diego State lost four of its top six scorers from last season, including leading scorers Jamaal Franklin (17.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg) and Chase Tapley (13.5 ppg). The Aztecs only bring back Xavier Thames (9.5 ppg), J.J. O'Brien (7.2 ppg) and Winston Shepard (5.7) as players of relevance. They have played an extremely soft schedule outside of Arizona, who they lost to by a final of 60-69 at home as a 3.5-point underdog.

Plays on neutral court teams (CREIGHTON) - an explosive offensive team (>=76 PPG) against a good offensive team (74-76 PPG), after scoring 80 points or more 2 straight games are 35-8 (81.4%) ATS over the last five seasons. San Diego State is only hitting 63.0% of its free throws this year, which is a big factor given the emphasis on fouls.

The Aztecs are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win. San Diego State is 0-5 ATS in its last five vs. Big East opponents. The Bluejays are 7-1 ATS in their last eight neutral site games. Creighton is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games overall. Bet Creighton Friday.

15* CBB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Iowa -4.5

The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of the most underrated teams in the entire country. They returned all five starters from last year, and they are one of the deepest teams in the land. I look for them to blow out Xavier tonight in Round 1 of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament.

Indeed, the Hawkeyes are deep. They have 10 players who are averaging 15 or more minutes per game. A big reason for that is that they have been blowing out the opposition in the early going, but they aren't afraid to go 10 deep against good teams, too. Iowa has outscored its first five opponents 92.6 to 54.6, or by an average of 38.0 points per game en route to a 5-0 start.

Ten players are also averaging 5.0 points per game or more this season. Leading the way has been Roy-Devyn Marble (14.6 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.2 spg), Aaron White (13.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Jarrod Uthoff (11.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Peter Jok (9.4 ppg), Zach McCabe (7.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Melsahn Basabe (7.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg). This is certainly a team you will see in the NCAA Tournament down the road, and one that is a sleeper to win the Big Ten.

Xavier brings back a quality squad as well with three starters returning. I like what I've seen from the Musketeers thus far, but their 5-0 start has come against some very soft competition as well, and they haven't been nearly as dominant as Iowa. They only beat a mediocre Tennessee team by a final of 67-63 at home on November 12.

The one stat that really stood out to me when researching this game was the free throw shooting for both teams. With an emphasis on calling more fouls this season, free throw shooting is at a premium. Iowa is getting to the line 36 times per game, converting on 74.2% of its opportunities in the process. Xavier is getting to the line 28 times per game, but making a woeful 59.9% of them.

In a game that is expected to be close according to oddsmakers, free throw shooting could easily be the difference as to why the Hawkeyes cover this one, even though I fully expect them to win via blowout.

Iowa is 20-6 ATS in its last 26 games overall. The Hawkeyes are 9-0 ATS in their last nine games after scoring 75 or more points in two or more straight games coming in. Iowa is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games after playing two consecutive games as a home favorite. The Hawkeyes are 11-0 ATS in their last 11 games after playing two consecutive games as a favorite. These three trends combine for a perfect 28-0 system backing the Hawkeyes. Roll with Iowa Thursday.

15* Baylor/Syracuse ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Syracuse -4

The Orange have really impressed me in the early going en route to a perfect 6-0 start this season. Their wins over two very good teams in Minnesota (75-67) and California (92-81) to open the Maui Invitational really show that Jim Boeheim has another great squad at Syracuse this season.

C.J. Fair (17.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Jerami Grant (13.2 ppg, 7.2 ppg) have really stepped up their games as key returnees from last season. Freshman Tyler Ennis (11.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.7 spg) has done a tremendous job of running the offense. Trevor Cooney (14.8 ppg, 48.8% 3-pointers) has proven to be the next great sharpshooter for the Orange.

Baylor has been unimpressive to me thus far. It barely escaped with home victories over South Carolina (66-64) and Charleston Southern (69-64) before heading to the Maui Invitational. I believe the loss of leading scorer Pierre Jackson (19.8 ppg), 7.1 apg) has really taken its toll on this squad. The Bears were fortunate to escape with a 67-66 victory over Dayton last night as well.

The Orange are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game. Syracuse is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games vs. Big 12 opponents. Baylor is 1-4 ATS in its last five games vs. ACC foes. Take Syracuse Wednesday.

20* BYU/Wichita State ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Wichita State -3

Rarely will you get the opportunity to back Wichita State as such a small favorite the rest of the season. I'm going to take full advantage tonight and back them in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic Final in Kansas City, MO tonight against BYU.

Remember, this is a Wichita State team that made it to the FInal Four last year before bowing out to eventual champion Louisville by a final of 72-68. The Shockers returned plenty of talent from that team to make another run in 2013. Cleanthony Early (13.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Ron Baker (8.7 ppg) and Tekele Cotton (6.5 ppg) all return, as do several other key role players.

Wichita State has opened 6-0 this season and has yet to be tested. All six of its wins have come by 14 points or more, including a 77-54 road win over Tulsa as a 6-point favorite, and a 90-72 victory over DePaul last night as an 8-point favorite. Early (14.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Baker (14.0 ppg, 3.8 apg) and Cotton (11.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) have all stepped up their games this season. Also, returnee Fred VanVleet (13.2 ppg, 5.8 apg) has done a tremendous job of running the offense at point guard.

BYU is a talented team, but it is nowhere near as good as the Shockers this season. The Cougars caught Iowa State in a huge letdown spot off a big win over Michigan previously, and they couldn't get the job done at home, falling 88-90. They also struggled as a 7-point favorite against Texas last night, winning by a final of 86-82. The Longhorns are certainly down this season, so that win was far from impressive.

Wichita State is 12-1 ATS versus up-tempo teams averaging 62 or more shots per game since 1997. BYU is 1-9 ATS as a neutral court underdog of 3 points or less since 1997. The Shockers are 17-4 ATS as a neutral court favorite of 6 points or less since 1997. Bet Wichita State Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Oakland +7.5

You would be hard-pressed to find a team that has played a more difficult schedule in the early going than Oakland. They opened the season with four straight road games against North Carolina (61-84), UCLA (60-91), California (60-64) and Gonzaga (67-82). They have also played LA-Lafayette (75-84) and St. Francis-NY (62-68) on a neutral court. They have been an underdog in all six contests, and they have opened 0-6.

Due to this 0-6 start, the Grizzlies are way undervalued right now. This is a team that returned four starters from last year and will be improved as the season progresses and the schedule gets easier. Travis Bader (22.1 ppg last year) and Duke Mondy (12.0 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.0 spg) are back to lead the way. Bader (21.5 ppg) is off to a fast start, while Corey Petros (10.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Tommie McCune (9.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Kahlil Fielder (8.7 ppg, 5.2 apg) have all stepped up their games this season.

Western Michigan is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers in this one. It has opened 3-2 this season with its only wins coming against New Mexico State (70-64), Tennessee State (63-52) and Alabama A&M (73-69). It also has losses to North Dakota State (74-83) and Hawaii (68-78). As you can see, the Broncos only have one win on the season by more than 6 points.

This is a Broncos squad that lost three of their top five scorers from a year ago in Darius Paul (10.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Nate Hutcheson (10.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Brandon Pokley (8.9 ppg), who averaged nearly 30 points combined between them. Shayne Whittington and David Brown are solid players, but they are being asked to do too much. This team doesn't have near the balance that Oakland offers.

Oakland is 17-6 ATS when playing its 2nd road game in three days since 1997. The Grizzlies are 23-10 ATS in road games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997. The Grizzlies are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The Broncos are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Take Oakland Tuesday.

15* CBB Monday GAME OF THE NIGHT on Houston +11.5

The Houston Cougars returned three starters and three of their top four scorers from a team that went 20-13 last season. They are TaShawn Thomas (16.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg), Danuel House (12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Jherrod Stiggers (8.1 ppg).

All three players have made a significant contribution en route to a perfect 5-0 start this season for the Cougars. House (17.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Thomas (16.8 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 4.6 bpg) and Stiggers (10.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg) have all upped their games in 2013. Plus, Baylor transfer L.J. Rose (12.2 ppg, 5.6 apg) has made an imprint as well.

Stanford returned a ton of experience from last season, but that's not necessarily a great thing for a team that went just 19-15 last year and missed the NCAA Tournament. In its only real test this season, Stanford failed, losing 103-112 at home to BYU. While the Cougars haven't really been tested yet, four of their five victories have come by double-digits.

The Cougars are scoring 77.6 points per game and shooting 49.3% from the field, while limiting opponents to 65.0 points and 39.7% shooting. The Cougars are a perfect 7-0 ATS after allowing 30 points or less in the first half of two straight games over the past three seasons. The Cardinal are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. win. Roll with Houston Friday.

20* UMass/Clemson ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Clemson PK

The Clemson Tigers came into the 2013-14 season way undervalued after going just 13-18 in head coach Brad Brownell's first season last year. The Tigers had to transition from Oliver Purnell's up-tempo style to Brownell's motion offense, and there was no question it was going to take some time.

Well, Clemson appears to be hitting on all cylinders to open the season this year. It has started 5-0 with five straight blowout victories over Stetson (71-51), Delaware State (58-37) South Carolina (71-57) Temple (72-58) and Davidson (85-64). The Tigers returned five of their top seven scorers from last season, and all five have made significant contributions in the early going.

K.J. McDaniels, the top returning scorer, has averaged 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game to lead the charge. Rod Hall (10.8 ppg, 3.8 apg), Jordan Roper (10.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.6 apg), Demarcus Harrison (9.8 ppg) and Adonis Filer (4.8 ppg) have all upped their games this season from last year. Jaron Blossomgame (5.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.6 bpg) has made a solid contribution thus far as well.

There's no question that UMass is improved from last season as well with four starters back. Like Clemson, it has opened 5-0 this season as well. Unlike Clemson, it has had to sweat out a few games, while the Tigers have won every game this season by 14 points or more. The Minutemen survived scares against LSU (92-90) at home, and Nebraska (96-90) on a neutral court.

With free throws being more important this season due to increased foul calls, it's certainly worth pointing out that the Tigers have been cashing in their free throws at a deadly rate this season. They are making a ridiculous 80.4% of their free throws thus far. That could come in handy if this game is close down the stretch, though I don't expect it will be.

I'm going to side with the better defensive team in this one. Clemson is giving up just 51.4 points per game on 33.9% shooting. It is playing great defense without fouling, putting opponents on the line an average of only 16 times per game. UMass is allowing 77.4 points per game on 41.4% shooting. It is putting opponents on the line an average of 22 times per contest.

This will essentially be a home game for Clemson as it will be played inside TD Bank Arena in Charleston, South Carolina. UMass is 0-8 ATS in its last eight neutral court games with a line of +3 to PK. Clemson is 7-0 ATS in road games after a non-conference game over the past two seasons. The Tigers are 6-0 ATS in road games in November games over the past two seasons. Clemson is 4-0 ATS in its last four non-conference games. These four trends combine for a perfect 25-0 system backing the Tigers. Bet Clemson Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Nebraska-Omaha +8.5

Nebraska-Omaha is one of the most underrated teams in the country in the early going. This is a team that returned four starters from last season and is playing just its second season as a Division 1 squad. That's why the Mavericks are under the radar because the betting public hasn't caught on yet.

The Mavericks returned each of their top five scorers from last season in Justin Simmons (16.7 ppg), John Karhoff (12.0 ppg), CJ Carter (9.7 ppg), Alex Phillips (8.2 ppg) and Marcus Tyus (8.2 ppg). All five guys have made significant contributions in the early going.

Carter is leading the way with 15.8 points per game. Karhoff (11.2 ppg), Tyus (11.2 ppg), Simmons (7.2 ppg) and Phillips (6.5) have picked up right where they left off as well. Devin Patterson (11.8 ppg, 4.5 apg) and Mike Rostampour (7.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg) have emerged onto the scene as well to really show the depth of this team.

Nebraska-Omaha is off to a 3-2 start this season. Its only two losses have come on the road against Iowa (75-83) as a 29.5-point underdog, and UNLV (70-73) as a 14-point dog. It has beaten Northern Illinois (68-66) on the road as a 6.5-point dog. It also beat Missouri-KC (101-71) and South Carolina State (91-59) at home. Iowa and UNLV are both expected to make the NCAA Tournament this season, so those losses were impressive to say the least.

Drake only returned two starters this season and lost three of its top four scores, including Ben Simmons (14.1 ppg). Drake did play well in road games against Illinois Chicago (61-59) and Saint Mary's (63-67), but this team is getting way too much respect as an 8.5-point favorite here.

After going into Iowa and losing by 8, and going into UNLV and losing by 3, there's no question the Mavericks can stay within 8 of the Bulldogs. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised one bit to see Nebraska-Omaha win outright. Drake is not as good of a team as either Iowa or UNLV.

One thing I love about this Nebraska-Omaha team is its free throw shooting. It has averaged 22 makes on 28 attempts per game for a 79.0% free throw percentage. With the emphasis on calling more fouls this season, free throw shooting is at a premium.

This is a very tough spot for Drake. It is coming off a heartbreaking loss at Saint Mary's last time out. It could certainly suffer a hangover from that defeat. That's especially the case when you consider it has another big road game at Fresno State on deck.

Drake is 0-6 ATS after forcing its last opponents to commit eight or less turnovers over the last three seasons. The Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last four non-conference games. Nebraska-Omaha is 4-0 ATS in its last four road games. These three trends combine for a perfect 14-0 system backing the Mavericks. Take Nebraska-Omaha Saturday.

15* CBB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Clemson -4

The Clemson Tigers came into the 2013-14 season way undervalued after going just 13-18 in head coach Brad Brownell's first season last year. The Tigers had to transition from Oliver Purnell's up-tempo style to Brownell's motion offense, and there was no question it was going to take some time.

Well, Clemson appears to be hitting on all cylinders to open the season this year. It has started 4-0 with four straight blowout victories over Stetson (71-51), Delaware State (58-37) South Carolina (71-57) and Temple (72-58). The Tigers returned five of their top seven scorers from last season, and all five have made significant contributions in the early going.

K.J. McDaniels, the top returning scorer, has averaged 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game to lead the charge. Rod Hall (11.0 ppg, 4.0 apg), Jordan Roper (11.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.8 apg), Demarcus Harrison (7.2 ppg) and Adonis Filer (4.8 ppg) have all upped their games this season from last year.

Davidson returns just two starters from last season and loses three of its top four scorers. The going has certainly been tough for the Wildcats in the early going as this team has clearly taken a big step back from last year. They have opened 1-3 with losses to Duke (77-111), Wisconsin-Milwaukee (77-81) and Virginia (57-70). Their 94-82 win over a horrible Georgia team last night was far from impressive.

With free throws being more important this season, it's certainly worth pointing out that the Tigers have been cashing in their free throws at a deadly rate this season. They are making a ridiculous 81.2% of their free throws thus far. That could come in handy if this game is close down the stretch, though I don't expect it will be.

This will essentially be a home game for Clemson as it will be played inside TD Bank Arena in Charleston, South Carolina. The Wildcats are 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS win. The Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games. Clemson is 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral site games. The Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning percentage below 40%. Bet Clemson Friday.

15* CBB Friday Big Chalk BLOWOUT on Kansas -17.5

The Kansas Jayhawks should be a much bigger favorite at home Friday against Towson. I look for them to be covering by halftime, and to build on their lead from there. The books have missed their mark badly tonight folks.

Somehow, I believe the Jayhawks actually came into 2013 underrated due to the lack of experience they had returning. However, they have made up for it with the talent they brought in, and the talent that was left over.

Kansas has opened 3-0 this year, which includes a 94-83 win over Duke. I believe that the Blue Devils are one of the top three teams in the country, right along with Kansas, so that win was impressive to say the least.

Perry Ellis (19.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg) has been a monster thus far. Andrew Wiggins (17.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in next year's NBA Draft. Wayne Selden Jr. (10.0 ppg, 4.3apg), Joel Embiid (9.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and Frank Mason (9.0 ppg) have been solid as well.

Towson State is getting too much respect from the books tonight due to its 3-1 start. All three victories came at home against the likes of Navy, Morgan State and Temple. In its lone road game, Towson lost badly by a final of 44-78 at Villanova. I look for a similar result tonight as Towson is simply outclassed in this one.

The Jayhawks are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 home games overall. Kansas has won 65 straight non-conference games at home and has taken two meetings with Towson over that stretch by a combined 72 points.

The Jayhawks are 6-0 ATS in home games after scoring 75 points or more in two straight games over the last three seasons. The Jayhawks are 6-0 ATS after scoring 80 points or more in two straight games over the last two seasons. Kansas is 7-0 ATS in its last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. These three trends combine for a perfect 19-0 system backing the Jayhawks. Bet Kansas Friday.

15* CBB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Clemson -3.5

The Clemson Tigers came into the 2013-14 season way undervalued after going just 13-18 in head coach Brad Brownell's first season last year. The Tigers had to transition from Oliver Purnell's up-tempo style to Brownell's motion offense, and there was no question it was going to take some time.

Well, Clemson appears to be hitting on all cylinders to open the season this year. It has started 3-0 with three straight blowout victories over Stetson (71-51), Delaware State (58-37) and South Carolina (71-57). The Tigers returned five of their top seven scorers from last season, and all five have made significant contributions in the early going.

K.J. McDaniels, the top returning scorer, has averaged 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game to lead the charge. Rod Hall (10.3 ppg, 3.7 apg), Jordan Roper (10.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.7 apg), Demarcus Harrison (8.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Adonis Filer (6.3 ppg) have all upped their games this season from last year.

Temple simply lost a ton of talent from last year and is in rebuilding mode. It lost four of its top five scorers in Khalif Wyatt (20.5 ppg), Scootie Randall (11.3 ppg), Jake O'Brien (9.8 ppg) and Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson (8.9 ppg). The leading returning scorers are Anthony Lee (9.8 ppg) and Will Cummings (5.8 ppg).

The Owls have struggled in the early going as a result, opening 1-2 with their only win coming at Pennsylvania (78-73). They lost at home to Kent State (77-81) and on the road to Towson State (69-75). This team is clearly in a world of hurt and has no depth. Only eight players have even seen the floor this year, and three of them have been Daniel Dingle (3.3 ppg), Josh Brown (2.0 ppg) and Devontae Watson (1.3 ppg).

With free throws being more important this season, it's certainly worth pointing out the advantage the Tigers will have at the charity stripe in this one. Clemson is shooting 81.4% from the line on an average of 20 free throws per game. Temple is shooting 69.7% from the line on 22 attempts per contest.

This will essentially be a home game for Clemson as it will be played inside TD Bank Arena in Charleston, South Carolina. Plays on a favorite (CLEMSON) - good defensive team from last season - allowed 64 or less points/game, after allowing 60 points or less 3 straight games are 76-39 (66.1%) ATS since 1997. The Tigers are 6-0 ATS in November road games over the last three seasons. The Tigers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine non-conference games. Roll with Clemson Thursday.

20* UConn/Boston College National TV KNOCKOUT on Boston College +10

I fully expected Boston College to be one of the most improved teams in the country this season. They returned 96 percent of their scoring from last season, 96 percent of their rebounding and 98 percent of their assists. A 1-3 start has not changed my opinion on this team, but it certainly has created some line value as the Eagles are a 10-point underdog to Connecticut tonight on a neutral floor when they shouldn't be.

A closer look at Boston College's 1-3 start shows that it could easily be 3-1 right now. Two of its losses came on the road to very good teams in Providence (78-82) and UMass (73-86). The other was a home loss to a Toledo (92-95) team that is much better than it gets credit for.

The Eagles returned two of the best players in the ACC in Ryan Anderson (14.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and Olivier Hanlan (14.6 ppg), who scored 41 points against Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament and finished very strong last year. Both have picked up right where they left off last season. Hanlan is averaging 24.5 points per game, while Anderson has posted 16.2 points per contest. The Eagles are shooting 83.2% from the free throw line, which will come in handy considering the emphasis on more foul calls this season.

Connecticut is overvalued right now due to its perfect 4-0 start to the season. It has played a very soft schedule with three of its wins coming against Yale (80-62), Detroit (101-55) and Boston (77-60). In its only real test of the season, the Huskies failed to cover their 5-point spread in a 78-77 win over Maryland on a neutral floor. This is a quality squad, but they should not be a double-digit favorite over Boston College tonight.

Connecticut is 13-30 ATS off two consecutive homes wins by 10 points or more since 1997. UConn is 0-7 ATS after four or more consecutive wins over the last three seasons. Boston College is 6-0 ATS off a close home win by 3 points or less over the last three seasons. The underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings between these teams. These last three trends combine for a perfect 19-0 system backing the Eagles. Bet Boston College Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Dayton +7.5

I believe Dayton came into the 2013-14 season way undervalued after going just 17-14 last season. A closer look shows that this team was much better than its record would indicate.

Indeed, the Flyers played 13 games that were decided by six points or less last season, winning only three of them. That means that only four of their 14 losses came by more than six points. This team was very close to being a 20-plus win team, and I fully expect the Flyers to top that number this season with better fortune in close games.

Archie Miller's team brings back a ton of talent this year. Veteran guard Vee Sanford is back, as is a sophomore class of Dyshawn Pierre, Jalen Robinson, Devon Scott and Khari Price that played 34 percent of the team's minutes as freshmen. Matt Kavanaugh averaged 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds as a junior, but was suspended all of last season. Jordan Sibert, an Ohio State transfer, is a major find. Freshmen guards Kendall Pollard and Dayshon Smith were big recruits.

All of this talent has led to a 3-0 start for Dayton this season. It is shooting 47.5% from the floor, 48.3% from 3-point range, and 76.2% from the free throw line. Pierre (15.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Price (14.7 ppg), Sibert (11.7 ppg), Devin Oliver (10.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Sanford (9.3 ppg) and Kavanaugh (5.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) have all made major contributions thus far.

Georgia Tech is coming off a huge 80-71 win at in-state rival Georgia, which puts it in a big letdown spot here. I'm not expecting much at all from this team in 2013 after going just 16-15 last year. The Yellow Jackets do have a lot of experience coming back from last year, but the fact of the matter is that the talent just isn't that good.

Dayton is 6-0 ATS after playing three consecutive home games over the last three seasons. Georgia Tech is 6-21 ATS in its last 27 games following an ATS win. The Yellow Jackets are 9-24 ATS in their last 33 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Georgia Tech is 7-20 ATS in its last 27 games following a S.U. win. Take Dayton Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Bucknell +8.5

The Bucknell Bison are coming off a 28-6 season in which they earned the No. 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament. While they lost three of their top players, they return all-conference pick Cameron Ayers (12.4 ppg) along with experienced backups in senior Ryan Hill, junior Steven Kaspar and sophomore Ryan Frazier.

I have been really impressed with what I've seen from the Bison en route to a 2-1 start this season. Their only loss came at Stanford by a final of 68-72. They went on the road and beat Penn State 90-80, while also topping St. Francis-PA 72-50 at home.

Bucknell is shooting 52.1% from the floor, 45.3% from 3-point range, and 80% from the free throw line. Ayers (15.3 ppg) and Kaspar (14.3 ppg, 5.7 apg, 5.0 rpg) have led the way, while Ben Brackney (11.7 ppg), Dan Hoffman (11.7 ppg) and Brian Fitzpatrick (9.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg) have been pleasant surprises.

St. John's is coming off a brutal 17-16 campaign last season and I haven't been impressed with what I've seen from the Red Storm so far. They have opened 1-1 with their loss coming against Wisconsin by a final of 75-86 on a neutral floor as a 5-point underdog. Their 73-57 home win over Wagner was far from impressive, too.

The Red Storm are 1-10 ATS after allowing 60 points or less over the last three seasons. They are actually losing in this spot 65.9 to 70.1, or by an average of 4.2 points per game. St. John's is 0-5 ATS in its last five games following a S.U. win. Take Bucknell Tuesday.

15* CBB Monday No-Doubt Rout on East Carolina -1.5

East Carolina is showing tremendous value tonight as only a 1.5-point favorite over Norfolk State. This is the NIT Tip Off played at Cameron Indoor Stadium, which is the home of the Duke Blue Devils. With a chance to play Duke next, ECU will certainly want to take care of business tonight to take advantage of that opportunity.

I really like what I've seen from ECU thus far en route to a 3-0 start. It has posted blowout home victories over NC Wesleyan (97-51) and Chowan (95-45), as well as an impressive road win at UNC-Greensboro (85-84). It is scoring 92.3 points per game on 48.5% shooting. It is also hitting 71.2% of its free throws, and outrebounding opponents 47-34 on average. It is holding opponents to 60.0 points on 35.3% shooting.

Norfolk State has been far less impressive en route to a 2-1 start. Its two wins have both come at home against the likes of Newberry (115-95) and Virginia Union (92-84). It lost in its lone road game to Texas Southern (83-95). It is allowing a ridiculous 91.3 points per game on 48.2% shooting. I'll gladly take the better defensive team in this one.

Plays against all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (NORFOLK ST) - after allowing 75 points or more 3 straight games against opponent after scoring 80 points or more 3 straight games are 25-6 (80.6%) ATS since 1997. This is an ECU team that went 23-12 last season and one that is obviously a quality bunch again in 2013. Bet East Carolina Monday.

15* CBB Monday Night Line Mistake on The Citadel +28

Tennessee is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers tonight. It has opened 1-1 with its only win coming against lowly USC Upstate at home by a final of 74-65. I fully expect this game to be much closer than this 28-point spread as well as The Citadel is one of the more underrated teams in the country in my opinion.

The Citadel returned four starters from last season, and it is off to a 2-2 start with both of its losses coming on the road by 11 and 15 points, respectively. It has three studs in Matt Van Scyoc (18.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 92.9% free throws), Brian White (15.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 81.2% free throws) and Ashton Moore (13.0 ppg, 6.0 apg, 78.6% free throws).

Marshall Harris III (9.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, 100% free throws) has been a solid contributor as well. With the importance of free throws being at a premium this season, I really like backing teams like The Citadel, which is shooting 75.9% from the charity stripe as a team. It is also only allowing 40.2% shooting to opponents and putting them on the free throw line an average of 19 times per game, so it is sound defensively.

Tennessee only brings back one starters from last season. It certainly has not been impressive in opening 1-1. It is shooting just 38.6% from the field while allowing opponents to shoot 46.8%. The Volunteers have struggled at the free throw line as well, making just 65.5% of their attempts. This team is clearly overrated in the early going, and that was evident in a 74-65 win over USC Upstate.

The Bulldogs are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a S.U. win. The Citadel is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Volunteers are 0-4 ATS in their last four non-conference games. Take The Citadel Monday.

15* CBB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Missouri State -4.5

After a 2-10 start last year with an inexperienced roster, Missouri State really rebounded to finish 11-22. Now, with four starters back, I fully expect this to be one of the most improved teams in the country.

Guard Marcus Marshall (11.5 ppg) and junior Christian Kirk (8.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg) are the top two returnees. After missing all of last season with a knee injury, senior forward Jamar Gulley returns. He averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 2011-12. Northern Colorado transfer Emmanuel Addo is 6'7", 220 pounds. Freshman Tyler McCullough (6'10", 230) is ready to contribute right away.

Missouri State is off to a solid start this season, picking up a 79-67 win at Old Dominion as a 1.5-point favorite. They grabbed 52 rebounds in that game and shot 72.2% from the free throw line, which will be huge with the new rules and tons of fouls being called. Gulley and Marshall led the way with 18 points apiece, while Austin Ruder added 14 points.

Tulsa is a team in rebuilding mode under second-year head coach Danny Manning. Its roster is made up of 12 of 165 players who are either freshmen or sophomores. That inexperience showed in the opener, losing 68-74 at home to Oral Roberts. The Golden Hurricane were outrebounded 28-45 in the loss. What really cost them was going 17-of-36 from the free throw line for 47.2% shooting.

Free throws could easily be the difference in this game, and I like Missouri State's chances of making them a lot more than Tulsa's. With a line of only 4.5, those free throws will be huge. The Bears are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall, including 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games. Roll with Missouri State Saturday.

15* CBB Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Nebraska-Omaha +13.5

There are so many things to like about Nebraska-Omaha heading into their showdown with UNLV tonight at 10:00 EST. First and foremost, Nebraska-Omaha is in just its second season as a Division 1 team, which makes it under the radar to the general betting public. That's why there is going to be a lot of value on this team until the public starts to realize how good they really are.

Omaha managed to finish in the middle of the pack in the Summit League last year. Now, with six of their top seven scorers back from last season, this is going to be one of the most improved teams in the country. Justin Simmons (16.7 ppg), John Karhoff (12.0 ppg), CJ Carter (9.7 ppg), Alex Phillips (8.2 ppg) and Marcus Tyus (6.0 ppg) are all back.

These five players have led Omaha to a 2-1 start. They went on the road and beat Northern Illinois 68-66 as a 6.5-point underdog, and then they gave a very good Iowa team from the Big Ten all they wanted and more. Omaha would lost 75-83 as a 29.5-point dog, easily covering the spread. The Mavericks came back with a 101-71 home victory over Missouri-KC on Wednesday for their second win of the year.

Carter is off to a hot start, averaging 20.7 points per game. Karhoff (11.0 ppg) and Devin Patterson (10.0 ppg) have played well, too. What's most impressive about Omaha's start is that last year's leading scorer Justin Simmons has been held to just 9.7 ppg on 28.6% shooting. This team is really going to be dangerous once he gets going.

UNLV lost so much talent from last season that it simply cannot replace. It lost three off its top four scorers, including the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft in F Anthony Bennett (16.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg). Only Khem Birch (7.2 ppg) and Bryce Dejean-Jones (10.3 ppg) are back who played significant minutes last season. Making matters worse for the Rebels is that Dejean-Jones is nursing a hamstring injury.

Dejean-Jones returned in UNLV's last game, which was an ugly 65-86 home loss to UC-Santa Barbara as an 8.5-point favorite. He was held to 1-of-5 shooting for five points in 16 minutes of action. It was clear that he wasn't healthy, and without him at full strength, the Rebels are in a world of hurt going forward.

With all of the fouls that are being called this season due to the rule changes, free throw shooting becomes a huge factor on which team is going to cover the spread. Omaha is averaging 22-of-28 for 80.7% from the charity stripe in 2013. UNLV is averaging 12-of-24 for 50% from the free throw line this year. As you can see, the Mavericks will have a big edge in free throws in this one.

Plays on an underdog (NEBRASKA-OMAHA) - after a win by 15 points or more against opponent after a blowout loss by 20 points or more are 252-161 (61%) ATS since 1997. The Rebels are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games overall, including 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games. The Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games. Take Nebraska-Omaha Friday.

15* NDSU/Saint Mary's CBB Late-Night BAILOUT on Saint Mary's -6

Saint Mary's came into the season way undervalued due to the loss of leading scorer Mathew Dellavedova. But this is a team that went 28-7 last year and returned plenty of talent to make up for his loss.

That has been evident en route to a 2-0 start with an 83-70 victory over a very good Louisiana Tech team that went 27-7 last year, and an 85-63 triumph against an Akron team that went 26-7 a year ago. That's the same Akron team that beat North Dakota State 68-53 last season.

The Gaels are playing tremendous team basketball with four players averaging 10.0 or more points per game. Brad Waldow is averaging 22.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, and he and Stephen Holt (16.0 ppg, 6.5 apg, 5.5 rpg) are the top two returnees from last year. Both are off to tremendous starts. James Walker III (12.0 ppg) and Beau Levesque (10.0 ppg) have also made key contributions thus far.

One big x-factor in this game is how well Saint Mary's has shot free throws through the first two games. It is averaging 27 makes in 32 attempts per game for a free throw percentage of 85.4%. That is going to be huge all season for the Gaels considering how many more fouls the refs are calling this year than in the past. Meanwhile, North Dakota State went 12-of-21 (57.1%) from the charity stripe in its opening win over Viterbo.

Saint Mary's is a perfect 9-0 ATS off a home win scoring 85 or more points over the last three seasons. It is coming back to win this this spot 73.7 to 56.2, or by an average of 17.5 points per game. Somehow, the Gaels are undervalued in the early going and I'll take advantage of it. Bet Saint Mary's Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Pepperdine -1

I fully expect Pepperdine to be improved this season with three starters back, including sophomore forward Stacy Davis. He averaged 11.2 points and 7.3 rebounds last year and was voted WCC Newcomer of the Year.

Davis poured in 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting to lead Pepperdine to an 81-68 win over San Diego Christion in their opener. But the big surprise was center Brendan Lane, who finished with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks. Lamond Murray Jr. added 13 points in the win.

UC-Riverside went just 6-25 last season and is clearly in a world of hurt once again in 2013. It opened the season with an ugly 41-77 loss at San Diego State while shooting 30.8% from the floor. Riverside's average home attendance last year was 758, which means that they have very little home-court advantage.

Pepperdine beat Riverside 62-40 last year as a 7.5-point home favorite. The Waves held the Highlanders to just 28.6% shooting in the win as not one player for Riverside scored in double figures.

The Waves are 5-1 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Pepperdine is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games. Riverside is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 home games. The Highlanders are 5-17-1 ATS in their last 23 non-conference games. Riverside is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Take Pepperdine Wednesday.

15* Kansas/Duke ESPN Tuesday Night BAILOUT on Duke -4.5

The Blue Devils are much better off to start the season than the Kansas Jayhawks. I fully expect them to blow the Jayhawks out of the building at the United Center in Chicago Tuesday.

Freshman phenom Jabari Parker made an immediate impact with 22 points in the Blue Devils' 111-77 rout of Davidson in Friday's season opener.

15* VCU/Virginia ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Virginia Commonwealth +4.5

Virginia Commonwealth is one of the best teams in the country this season. It has opened the season ranked in the Top 25 and for good reason. It showed off what it is capable of with a 96-58 home win over Illinois State on November 8, and I fully expect it to go into Virginia and win outright tonight.

VCU returns three starters this season, including leading scoerers Juvonte Reddic (14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and Treveon Graham (15.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg). Also back is Rob Brandenberg (10.4 ppg), Melvin Johnson (6.9 ppg) and Briante Weber (5.4 rpg).

The Rams play a pressure defense that is unmatched by anyone in the country. They get after it for 40 minutes and force opponents into mistakes, which leads to easy buckets the other way for Shaka Smart's club. The Rams forced 22 turnovers in the opener against Illinois State.

The Rams are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game. VCU is 4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference games. Virginia is 1-7 ATS in its last eight games overall. The Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. Atlantic 10 foes. This is the best team in the Atlantic 10 in 2013, and it will show tonight. Bet VCU Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Hofstra +33

This play is more of a fade of Louisville than a play on Hofstra. I realize the Pride don't have the talent to hang with Louisville, but they do have enough to stay within 33 points of this ridiculous spread.

I am fading Louisville early in the season due to its reputation as the defending national champs. I believe it is way overvalued after losing its two most important players from last year in center Gorgui Dieng (9.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.5 bpg) and point guard Peyton Siva (10.0 ppg, 5.7 apg, 2.3 spg).

I went against Louisville in its opener as a 22-point favorite against College of Charleston. That was a 48-45 game with six minutes remaining before the Cardinals used a ridiculous 22-3 run to close out the game to win 70-48. As you can see, that was a much closer game than the final score would indicate, but if you only saw the final score you wouldn't realize it.

Hofstra has put up 82.0 points per game while opening the season 1-1 with a loss to Monmouth (84-88) and a win over Fairleigh Dickinson (80-58). It is also shooting 47.1% from the field while only averaging 11 turnovers per game. Taking care of the ball will be huge against the Cardinals. Hofstra is 18-5 ATS in road games after scoring 75 or more points in two straight games since 1997. Roll with Hofstra Tuesday.

15* CBB Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Davidson -12

Davidson went 26-8 last season and reached the NCAA Tournament. It returned senior forward De'Mon Brooks (13.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg) as well as experienced contributors such as point guard Tom Droney, small forward Chris Czerapowicz and shooting guard Tyler Kalinoski.

Wisconsin Milwaukee finished in last place in the Horizon League with an 8-24 record overall and a 3-13 mark in conference play. While point guard Jordan Aaron (12.8 ppg, 3.9 apg conference play) is back, the Panthers return only one other starter from a team that struggled in every phase of the game.

Davidson has set up a brutal non-conference schedule that features the likes of Duke, North Carolina, Virginia and Wichita State. After falling 77-111 to a Top-5 Duke team in the opener Saturday, and with Virginia on deck, Davidson knows it must take care of business in the rest of its non-conference games against weaker teams like this one if it wants to get back to the NCAA Tournament.

Brooks had a solid game against Duke, pouring in 24 points and grabbing seven board while going 7-for-9 from the field. Droney also played well, scoring 16 points in the loss. I look for these two players to carry the load against the overmatched Panthers, who fell 62-66 at Loyola-Illinois in their opener.

This is also a revenge game for Davidson, which lost at Milwaukee last year in one of its worst performances of the season. That's a big reason why the Wildcats will not be overlooking the Panthers tonight.

Milwaukee is 0-7 ATS after a loss by 6 points or less over the last two seasons. Davidson is 6-0 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more over the last three years. The Wildcats are 11-1 ATS in home games after allowing 85 points or more since 1997. These three trends combine for a 24-1 system backing the Wildcats. Take Davidson Monday.

15* CBB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on College of Charleston +22

I almost always look to fade the champion of the previous NCAA Tournament early in the season the next year. That champ can almost never live up to the hype in the early going, and it has a hard time coming back hungry the following season.

I believe Louisville will take a step back early before improving a ton late, which is the case almost every year for Rick Pitino and company. The Cardinals lost arguably their two best players in Peyton Siva (10.0 ppg, 5.7 apg, 2.3 spg) and Gorgui Dieng (9.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.5 bpg). Siva was the leader of the offense, while Dieng was the enforcer on defense.

Charleston is going to make a run at the NCAA Tournament in 2013. It went 24-11 last year for its fourth straight 20-win season. With four starters back from that squad, this team will give Louisville a run for its money tonight. That includes junior guard Anthony Stitt (11.0 ppg, 3.2 apg) and junior center Adjehi Baru (9.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg).

Charleston is 58-28 ATS as a road underdog or pick since 1997. Charleston is 19-6 ATS in its last 25 games as a road underdog of 10 or more points. The Cougars are 29-12-1 ATS in their last 42 Saturday games. They played their best basketball on the road last season, going 13-3 away from home. Bet College of Charleston Saturday.

15* Maryland/UConn 2013 CBB Season Opener on Connecticut -4.5

Connecticut once again has something to play for after failing to qualify for the NCAA tournament last season because of poor academic progress rates. The 18th-ranked Huskies are flying under the radar heading into the 2013-14 season due to not being eligible for the NCAA Tournament last year. They should be laying more than 4.5 points to Maryland in the opener.

UConn went 20-10 last season but had to watch other teams battle for the title in the NCAA tournament. The Huskies are once again eligible for postseason play, and junior guard Ryan Boatright says they also are very hungry.

"We know how it felt last year to put everything on the line every game and not get a chance to play for a ring like a lot of teams we watched in the tournament that we beat," he said. "It hurt watching the tournament. But, to have that pain stuck inside of us and to know that we've got a chance to win this year, it just motivates us."

Boatright and backcourt running mate Shabazz Napier both passed up a chance at the NBA draft to return this season. They will be joined by the rest of the 2012-13 starters - Omar Calhoun, DeAndre Daniels and Tyler Olander.

"We're going to be really great," said Daniels, who averaged more than 22 points over his last four games last season. "I feel like guys on this team are working even harder to try and win every game."

Maryland loses its best player in 7-1 center Alex Len to the NBA. While it does have some nice experience coming back, this NIT team from last year simply does not have the talent to match up with Connecticut. Bet the Huskies Friday.

20* Michigan/Louisville NCAA Championship No-Brainer on Louisville -3.5

The Louisville Cardinals will prove that they are the best team in college basketball and deserved of the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament tonight. I look for them to win and cover against overmatched Michigan in this one.

The Cardinals just have something special going because of the injury to teammate Kevin Ware. They have really pulled closer together as a team, which helped them overcome a hard-fought game against Wichita State in the Final Four. They simply appear to be a team of destiny at this point.

I believe that only having one day to prepare for their opponent will benefit Louisville more than Michigan in this one. That's because the Cardinals are a tougher team to prepare for as they are the best pressing team in the country. They are forcing an average of 18 turnovers/game this season.

Louisville is 6-0 ATS as a neutral court favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons. The Cardinals are 7-0 ATS when playing their 2nd road game in 3 days over the last 2 seasons. Louisville is 7-0 ATS in road games after 4 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons. These three trends combine for a 20-0 system backing the Cardinals. Bet Louisville Monday.

20* Michigan/Syracuse Final Four No-Brainer on Syracuse +2.5

I have been backing both Michigan and Syracuse throughout the NCAA Tournament with a lot of success thus far. Now, it's time to pick between the two, and I have no problem doing so considering this match-up really favors Syracuse.

I believe the length of the Orange across the board is going to cause Michigan fits offensively, just as it has for every other team they have faced. In fact, Syracuse has held its first four opponents in the NCAA Tournament to just 45.8 points/game.

Syracuse held the almighty Indiana Hoosiers to just 50 points on 34.0% shooting, and a good Marquette team to just 39 points on 22.6% shooting the past two rounds. Its defense is going to be the difference in this game.

Most people believe that playing a zone defense means that you're forcing your opponent to try and make 3-pointers to beat you. Well, that's not the case for this Syracuse team, which defends the 3-ball as well as anyone in the country.

The Orange only allow their opponents to make 28.2% of their 3-point shots on the season. That's huge because Michigan is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the land at 38.5%. The Orange held Indiana, another great 3-point shooting team, to just 3-of-15 (20%) from distance.

Jim Boeheim is 28-13 ATS as a neutral court underdog or pick as the coach of Syracuse. The Orange are 24-10 ATS as a neutral court underdog of 6 points or less or pick since 1997. Syracuse is 58-35 ATS in road games when playing only their 2nd game in 8 days since 1997. The Orange are 8-2 ATS after leading their last 3 games by 5+ points at the half this season. They are winning in this spot by 23.7 points/game. Bet Syracuse Saturday.

25* Big Ten vs. Big 12 GAME OF THE YEAR on Iowa Hawkeyes -2

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been undervalued all season, especially toward the end of the year. That's the case once again tonight as they take on the Baylor Bears in the NIT Championship.

I have been saying throughout this tournament that Iowa is the best team in the NIT, and that will prove to be true as it destroys the overmatched Bears tonight. The Hawkeyes are a perfect 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games overall as oddsmakers have failed to give them the respect they deserve in 10 straight games, and you can make that 11 straight tonight.

While Iowa has posted four double-digit victories in a row to reach the Championship Game, Baylor has escaped with a couple close wins against Arizona State (89-68) and BYU (76-70) to get here. Even its 11-point win over Providence (79-68) was a 3-point game with about 4 minutes to go.

Common opponents are a great way to compare teams. Both Iowa and Baylor have faced two of the same teams this year in Iowa State and Northwestern. The Hawkeyes are 4-0 against those two teams while outscoring them by an average of 14.2 points/game. The Bears are 0-3 against those two teams, getting outscored by 5.7 points/game.

Iowa is 14-1 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) this season. The Hawkeyes are 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Iowa is 9-0 ATS in its last 9 non-conference games. These three trends combine for a 33-1 (97%) system backing the Hawkeyes. Bet Iowa Thursday.

15* Iowa/Maryland NIT ANNIHILATOR on Iowa -3

The Iowa Hawkeyes are the best team left in the NIT. They come from the Big Ten, which has obviously shown that it is the best conference in the NCAA Tournament. Iowa finished with a .500 record in Big Ten play this year.

The Hawkeyes have been on a mission to prove that they belonged in the NCAA Tournament by winning the NIT. They continue that mission tonight while looking for their 4th straight dominant victory.

Iowa has beaten Indiana State (68-52), Stony Brook (75-63) and Virginia (75-64) en route to the semifinals. That win against the Cavaliers came on the road, and that's the same Cavaliers team that beat Maryland TWICE during the regular season.

Iowa is a perfect 9-0 ATS in its last 9 games overall. The Hawkeyes are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games. Iowa is 13-1 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) this season. The Hawkeyes are 6-0 ATS after scoring 75 points or more 2 straight games this season. These four trends combine for a 36-1 (97%) system backing the Hawkeyes. Take Iowa Tuesday.

20* BYU/Baylor NIT Tuesday No-Brainer on BYU +3

The BYU Cougars are showing excellent value as a 3-point underdog to the Baylor Bears in the NIT Semifinals tonight. I fully expect the Cougars to win this game outright and reach to the Championship Game, but I'll take the points for some insurance.

BYU (24-11) is one of the most underrated teams in the country. After posting double-digit home victories over Washington (90-79) and Mercer (90-71), it went on the road and knocked off Southern Miss (79-62) as a 5-point underdog in yet another blowout.

The Cougars want revenge from a 64-79 loss at Baylor way back on December 21st in their first meeting of the season. "We're not so excited to play Baylor," BYU coach Dave Rose said. "We played Baylor in December and they handled us pretty well."

This has been a much-improved Cougars team since that defeat. You'll get to witness three of the most underrated players in the country in Tyler Haws (21.6 PPG), Brandon Davies (17.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG) and Matt Carlino (11.3 PPG, 4.7 APG) take it to Baylor in this one.

Baylor is 0-7 ATS versus good passing teams, averaging >=16 assists/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons. The Bears are 0-7 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons. The Cougars are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. These three trends combine for a perfect 18-0 system backing the Cougars. Bet BYU Tuesday.

20* Michigan/Florida Elite 8 No-Brainer on Michigan +3

The Wolverines will be riding high following their amazing comeback victory over Kansas in the Sweet 16. After blowing out both South Dakota State (71-56) and VCU (78-53) in the first two rounds, they erased a late 14-point deficit to beat the Jayhawks 87-85 (OT).

Florida has been very fortunate to be dealt the easiest schedule of all the teams left in the field. The Gators have drawn Northwestern State, Minnesota and Florida Gulf Coast to reach the Elite 8. Michigan is more battle-tested, and it will use its momentum from the Kansas victory to advance to the Final Four.

The Wolverines are 8-1 ATS in all tournament games this season. Florida is 1-7 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread this season. The Gators are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Florida is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games following a win. Bet Michigan Sunday.

15* College Insider Tournament ANNIHILATOR on Northern Iowa -4

The Northern Iowa Panthers are showing excellent value as only a 4-point home favorite over Weber State in the semifinals of the College Insider Tournament Saturday. I look for the Panthers to blow the opposition out of the building tonight.

Northern Iowa is the best team left in this tournament. It has posted three straight double-digit victories over North Dakota, Illinois-Chicago and Bradley to reach the semis. Weber State won three straight at home as well to get here, but now it has to take its act on the road, which is a huge disadvantage.

That's especially the case considering Northern Iowa is 16-3 at home this season, outscoring opponents by 13.0 points/game. That includes wins over NCAA Tournament teams like St. Mary's (82-73), Wichita State (57-52) and Creighton (61-54).

Weber State has played a very easy schedule this season. In fact, you could make the argument that this is its toughest game of the year. A couple other tough games for them include a 55-65 road loss at Utah State, and a 68-78 home loss to BYU.

Weber State is 0-7 ATS in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997. Northern Iowa is 6-0 ATS versus very good shooting teams - making >=48% of their shots over the last 2 seasons. The Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. These three trends combine for a perfect 17-0 system backing UNI. Roll with Northern Iowa Saturday.

20* Syracuse/Marquette Elite 8 No-Brainer on Syracuse -4

The Syracuse Orange should be a bigger favorite tonight over the Marquette Golden Eagles. Marquette is the most overrated team left in the field, while Syracuse is the most underrated.

This is a Syracuse team that won three games in three days in the Big East Tournament before blowing a 15-point lead in the Championship Game to Louisville as it ran out of gas on the 4th day. It came in playing well, and it has continued in the NCAA Tournament.

The Orange have knocked off Montana (81-34), California (66-60) and Indiana (61-50) by a combined 64 points. Meanwhile, Marquette is lucky to be here, having beaten Davidson (59-58) and Butler (74-72) by a combined 3 points in the first two rounds.

This is revenge time for the Orange as they lost their only meeting with Marquette on the road by a final of 71-74 on February 25th. The Golden Eagles got all the calls in that game as they shot 35 free throws compared to Syracuse's 7.

Syracuse is 27-10 ATS in road games off an upset win as an underdog since 1997. Marquette is 4-11 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins this season. You could certainly make the argument that the Orange are the best team left in the Big Dance right alongside Louisville. They prove it today. Bet Syracuse Saturday.

15* Michigan State/Duke Sweet 16 Friday No-Brainer on Duke -2

The Duke Blue Devils are the superior team in this match-up with the Michigan State Wolverines. This is a very evenly-matched game coaching-wise with Coach K and Tom Izzo going at it, but Coach K clearly will have the better talent on the floor, and that will show Friday night.

The key factor here is the health of Ryan Kelly, who has been the key to the Blue Devils' success this season. In fact, Duke is a sensational 20-1 in all games that Kelly has played in this year. He is clearly the motor that makes this team run.

One look at the history between these teams and it's easy to see that Coach K has not only out-coached Izzo, but he's also had the better talent. In fact, Duke is 6-1 in its last 7 meetings with Michigan State dating back to 1998. All six of those victories have come by 5 points or more.

Duke is 7-0 ATS in road games after a non-conference game this season. The Spartans are 6-16-1 ATS in their last 23 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. The Blue Devils are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games. Roll with Duke Friday.

25* NCAA Tournament GAME OF THE YEAR on Michigan +2

The Michigan Wolverines represent my strongest release of the entire 2013 NCAA Tournament Friday when they take on the Kansas Jayhawks in the Sweet 16. It's easy to see that the Big Ten is the best conference in the country, and it should not be an underdog to Kansas because of it.

In fact, the Big Ten has sent four teams to the Sweet 16 compared to just one for the Big 12. Kansas even had to escape with a 64-57 win over Western Kentucky as a 21-point favorite in the opening round, and erase a 9-point first half deficit against UNC, just to get here.

The Jayhawks were even gifted home-court advantage in the first two rounds as they had to only travel 40 miles from campus over to Kansas City. With home-court advantage gone, and playing a much tougher opponent, Kansas' luck runs out tonight.

Michigan came into the NCAA Tournament undervalued due to a rough stretch to close out the season. They have proven that with a 71-56 victory over South Dakota State as a 12-point favorite, and a 78-73 blowout of VCU as a 3.5-point favorite.

Once again, the Wolverines are undervalued tonight as an underdog when they are clearly the superior team. Michigan is 7-1 ATS in all tournament games this season. The Wolverines are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big 12 opponents. The Jayhawks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 vs. Big Ten. Take Michigan Friday.

20* Sweet 16 Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Miami -5

The Miami Hurricanes should be a much heavier favorite over the Marquette Golden Eagles tonight. They got the test they needed from Illinois in the Round of 32, and made all the big plays down the stretch to get through.

I full expect the Hurricanes to roll to a blowout victory over a Marquette team that doesn't even deserve to be in the Sweet 16. In fact, it has won its first two games against Davidson (59-58) and Butler (74-72) by a combined 3 points. The Golden Eagles' luck runs out in the Sweet 16.

Miami has been one of the most underrated teams in the country all season. That's evident by the fact that it is 21-8 ATS in all lined games this year. Despite winning the ACC regular season and tournament titles, this team is still undervalued.

The Hurricanes are 43-18-1 ATS in their last 62 non-conference games. Miami is 43-19-4 ATS in its last 66 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Golden Eagles are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Marquette is 3-11 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins this season. The Hurricanes are 15-3 ATS versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game this season. Bet Miami Thursday.

25* NIT GAME OF THE YEAR on Providence +9

The Providence Friars are showing excellent value as a 9-point underdog to the Baylor Bears in the NIT Quarterfinals tonight. In fact, they represent my strongest release for the entire 2013 NIT Tournament.

Baylor is getting too much respect here due to the extra rest it has had leading up to this game. With a trip to Madison Square Garden on the line, Providence won't show any signs of fatigue despite playing two nights ago in a 77-68 home victory over Robert Morris.

The Big 12 has clearly been the most overrated conference in the country all season. That has been evident in the NCAA Tournament as only Kansas has made it through to the Sweet 16. The Big East has three teams in the Sweet 16 to compare.

Baylor is 1-8 ATS after a win by 6 points or less over the last 2 seasons. The Bears are 4-17 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite over the last 2 seasons. The Bears are 10-21 ATS in their last 31 games following a S.U. win. Bet Providence Wednesday.

15* NIT Wednesday ANNIHILATOR on BYU +6

The BYU Cougars should not be catching points against the Southern Miss Eagles tonight. At 23-11 on the season, BYU is one of the most underrated teams in the country. I look for them to lay it all on the line tonight to try and get to Madison Square Garden.

No team has been as dominant as BYU in the NIT thus far. It beat Washington 90-79 at home before dominating Mercer 90-71. This is a very balanced team that can beat you inside and out. Tyler Haws (21.5 PPG), Brandon Davies (18.0 PPG) and Matt Carlino (11.2 PPG) form one of the best trios in the country.

Southern Miss has not been as impressive thus far with a 78-71 victory over Charleston Southern as an 11.5-point favorite, and a 63-52 win over LA Tech as an 8-point favorite. Having just one day to prepare for this complex, up-tempo BYU team simply isn't enough.

The Golden Eagles are 0-6 ATS versus good shooting teams - making >=45% of their shots after 15+ games this season. Southern Miss is 0-6 ATS in home games after playing a game where both teams score 65 points or less over the last 2 seasons. The Golden Eagles are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games. The Cougars are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Conference USA. BYU is 3-0-1 ATS in its last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record. These five trends combine for a perfect 23-0 system backing the Cougars. Take BYU Wednesday.