College Hoops Conference Tournaments Day 2
Photo Credit: Bleacher Report
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College Basketball Season Record: 208-201-13 — Betting 1 Unit to Win X
10:30am cst: Saint Joseph’s Hawks vs. George Mason Colonials pk; Total 136
We will have another great game to kick off Day 2 of the A-10 tournament. This is another coin flip game and the spread reflects that. The Colonials best player Keyshawn Hall is questionable with an ankle injury but he’s missed the last two games. That may be why George Mason is favored even if it is by one point. The Colonials head coach Tony Skinn knows a little something about March Madness runs. He was on the George Mason Final Four team that upset UConn in the Elite Eight. Joe’s has been a bit sporadic so I’ll go with George Mason who has won 5/8 games.
Pick: George Mason pick (-115) [via DraftKings]
11:00am cst: Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Tech Hokies -3.5; Total 152.5
Virginia Tech is on a nice three game winning streak coming into the ACC Tournament. These teams split their series this season with each winning at home. Couple glaring issues for both teams I found. First, the Seminoles dominated the paint offensively outscoring the Hokies 72-38. Second, VaTech relies heavily on the 3PT shot where they shot it well against FSU. Florida State is bad 3PT shooting team in comparison. With how proficient both teams are at attacking the other teams vulnerabilities, let’s take the total over.
Pick: OVER 152.5 (-112) [via DraftKings]
11:30pm cst: UCF Knights vs. BYU Cougars -6; Total 146
This matchup has been close all season. BYU won both matchups but both games were decided by a total of seven points. UCF matches up well with BYU because of its size and length. BYU’s strength is its three point shooting. UCF will run multiple defenses at BYU to make them uncomfortable. I’m going to take the the tough UCF Knights defense and rebounding in what should be a great game.
Pick: UCF +6 (-108) [via DraftKings]
12:00pm cst: Rice Owls vs. Wichita State Shockers -3; Total 146
Rice has been running cold lately and Wichita State has put some wins together including a big one over the Owls. Give me the team with a strong defense and one of the best rebounding team in the country. The Shockers just can’t let the Owls get a rhythm from behind the three point line.
Pick: Wichita State -3 (-105) [via DraftKings]
1:00pm cst: Fordham Rams vs. VCU Rams -9; Total 133.5
VCU swept their series against Fordham and the Fordham Rams have not defeated VCU in its last seven attempts. But, VCU has lost its last three games. Davidson swept Fordham but lost to them in OT. What I like about Fordham is how much they hustled and played tough, physical defense. Anything can happen in March. I’ll take the points here in what should be a slugfest but I like the way Fordham is playing right now physically. They are playing with that edge you want with a team getting nine points. They also are great free throw shooters!
Pick: Fordham +9 (-112) [via DraftKings]
1:00pm cst: Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Wyoming Cowboys -6; Total 137.5
This feels like a high spread but we may be getting Wyoming at a discount in this game. This spread should probably be in the double digits. Wyoming is a solid team that has been lost in a stacked Mountain West this season.
Pick: Wyoming -6 (-115) [via DraftKings]
1:30pm cst: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Wake Forest -9.5; Total 136.5
In my opinion, this number is a little long for the way Notre Dame has been playing lately. Wake Forest is on the bubble so I expect their very best but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will dominate. Wake has been more down than up lately. We have backed Notre Dame all season and there is no way we pass up taking 9.5 points with a great defense with an offense that has found its groove at the end of the season.
Pick: Notre Dame +9.5 (-112) [via DraftKings]
2:00pm cst: USC Trojans -3.5 vs. Washington Huskies; Total 152
This spread got up to Trojans -4 with some buy back on the Huskies. USC swept the series this season by a healthy margin. I am personally heavily invested in USC and them making a run in the Pac 12 tournament. USC has everything you want in an NCAA Tournament team. Washington has been sneaky good but they play a bit wild. USC has the size to slow down the UW big man Meah. I prefer USC and they momentum they are riding with confidence of making the Big Dance.
Pick: USC -3.5 (-108) [via DraftKings]
2:00pm cst: Oklahoma Sooners vs. TCU Horned Frogs -3.5; Total 146.5
I feel like this TCU team has padded offensive numbers because they had not great three point shooters that shot lights out until the end of the season. I think TCU is in the tournament but if they lose this game there is a chance for some bid stealers to knock them out. Oklahoma is in the same boat. This is definitely a huge game. I think it is neck and neck. Both teams are tough, physical that can play defense. I like the OU rebounding edge.
Pick: Oklahoma +3.5 (-110) [via DraftKings]
2:30pm cst: UTSA Roadrunners -1.5 vs. Temple Owls; Total 150.5
This matchup has been tight each time but Temple has won both meetings. UTSA has a big rebounding advantage and I think that will make the difference. If the Roadrunners can get the three point shot to fall, they can get that elusive win over Temple after blowing leads in both games. This was a pick until late money on the Roadrunners.
Pick: UTSA -1.5 (-108) [via DraftKings]
3:00pm cst: Xavier Musketeers -2 vs. Butler Bulldogs; Total 151
I liked the way Xavier played against Marquette but the Bulldogs have a legit shot at sneaking into the NCAA Tournament. If rumors are true then Xavier head coach Sean Miller will be heading to Ohio State. I think this spread should be flipped and Butler should be favored by two points. Butler was on a cold streak but have won two games in a row and I think they can make it three.
Pick: Butler +2 (-108) [via DraftKings]
3:30pm cst: San Jose State Spartans vs. Colorado State Rams -14.5; Total 138.5
Too many points. I would lay it with the Rams but I’m passing this game.
Pick: NONE
4:00pm cst: LaSalle Explorers vs. St. Bonaventure Bonnies -8.5; Total 139
Here is another huge spread I have no idea why. Like Fordham, I really thought they played hard the whole game against a tough George Washington team. Not only that but LaSalle has been great when playing the Bonnies. I’m not sure what justifies laying 8.5 with St. Bonaventure. LaSalle for me.
Pick: LaSalle +8.5 (-112) [via DraftKings]
4:30pm cst: Oregon State Beavers vs. UCLA Bruins -6; Total 125
Can UCLA play like they did in Maui or in the middle of conference play? I have this more of a 7.5/8 point spread. I think UCLA can turn it on and try to make a run in the conference tournament but they will need to cut down on turnovers and defend the post.
Pick: UCLA -6 (-112) [via DraftKings]
5:30pm cst: Georgetown Hoyas vs. Providence Friars -9; Total 141
Anytime I bet on Providence this season they play terrible and cannot score. I bet against them and they can’t miss. You never know which Providence offense will show up. I’m happy to pass here.
Pick: NONE
5:30pm cst: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Maryland Terrapins -4; Total 125.5
These teams are terrible on offense. This should be a rock fight. I want nothing to do with this game. This game should be closer to a pick ‘em so taking the points makes sense. I’m passing on this ugly game.
Pick: NONE
5:30pm cst: Florida International Panthers vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats -7.5; Total 147
I think this game plays out a lot like the Notre Dame vs. Wake Forest. Wake used their size and defense to give the smaller Notre Dame team problems. I think Sam Houston will use their great defense and rebounding skills to take advantage of the smaller FIU. It’s hard to ignore the Sam Houston defensive and rebounding numbers. FIU played great last night but that was against a team that wanted to run and gun with them. This will be the opposite.
Pick: Sam Houston State -7.5 (-110) [via DraftKings]
6:00pm cst: Air Force Falcons vs. New Mexico Lobos -14.5; Total 146
Air Force is no easy test for the New Mexico Lobos. Air Force defeated them in the Pit earlier this season. I expect the best from New Mexico as they are doing everything they can to make the NCAA Tournament. Will the Lobos be looking ahead to a possible matchup with Boise State? I think there is too many points here and I’ll take them with the Falcons.
Pick: Air Force +14.5 (-108) [via DraftKings]
6:00pm cst: Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Arkansas Razorbacks -6; Total 148.5
I would not dismiss Jerry Stackhouse’s Commodores in this game. They have defeated Arkansas three out of the last four games. They are also coming off a huge win against Florida. The Commodores always play the full 40 minutes, which is more than I can say about Arkansas. I’ll take the points in this matchup where should be played at a fast pace.
Pick: Vanderbilt +6 (-112) [via DraftKings]
6:00pm cst: Kansas State Wildcats vs. Texas Longhorns -5; Total 143
This will be a great game. It always is when these two teams matchup with one another. Texas is starting to heat up and Kansas State is fighting to punch their ticket into the NCAA Tournament. I would have this line closer to 3/4. Texas struggles shooting the three against K-State so I’m taking the points.
Pick: Kansas State +5 (-108) [via DraftKings]
6:00pm cst: North Carolina State Wolf Pack vs. Syracuse Orangemen -2; Total 152
Syracuse is hot right now other than a loss to Clemson who they matchup horribly with. Judah Mintz should be able to take advantage of the NC State defense. Syracuse need to protect the paint and rebound. NC State can kill teams on the offensive glass.
Pick: Syracuse -2 (-105) [via DraftKings]
6:30pm cst: Saint Louis Billikens vs. Duquesne Dukes -8; Total 146
Here is another A-10 game with a big number. These teams have been playing hard and any team can win. That’s how this tournament always plays. Saint Louis have a good offense against a tough Duquesne defense. When in doubt, take the team with points that can shoot the three. Other than physical play and toughness, that is the other theme of this tournament thus far.
Pick: Saint Louis +8 (-112) [via DraftKings]
7:30pm cst: Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions -7; Total 150.5
Here is another team that might be dead in the water: Michigan. They have not shown much fight and I cannot see them making some kind of miracle B10 run. Penn State has been playing tough and has gotten better as the season has progressed. I like this Penn State team. They like to play rough and nasty. Something Michigan wants no part of. If the Wolverines shoot 50% from 3PT again is their only chance.
Pick: Penn State -7 (-110) [via DraftKings]
8:00pm cst: DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats -25; Total 136.5
Too many points. Pass.
Pick: NONE
8:00pm cst: Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs -9; Total 134
I thought about MTSU but they are no longer getting double digits. I dug a bit deeper and this is a very strong LaTech squad. The Bulldogs have a very strong defense and are one of the best rebounding teams in the country. Not only that but they love to shoot the three. Looks like a big number but it is definitely warranted.
Pick: Louisiana Tech -9 (-112) [via DraftKings]
8:00pm cst: Stanford Cardinal -2 vs. Cal Bears; Total 150
Stanford made 12 threes and shot 50% when these two met last weekend. Cal won the first matchup by two points. I think Cal will make the needed adjustments on a short week to have some better 3PT defense. Before that matchup with Cal, Stanford was on a six game losing streak. I think Cal bounces back after head coach Mark Madsen gets a new contract and Tyson named a first team all Pac 12.
Pick: Cal +2 (-112) [via DraftKings]
8:30pm cst: Cincinnati Bearcats -3 vs. Kansas Jayhawks; Total 139
Cincinnati struggled with West Virginia like we expected they would. I am assuming the market is expecting Kansas to lay down because KU’s leading scorers, McCullers and Dickinson are out. Not so fast! After Kansas got the piss beat out of them against Houston (we cashed big) I expect Bill Self to have his team ready to play. It will also give some crucial playing time to role players before the Tournament, which is more important than rest in my opinion. I think Kansas comes to play. If KU loses to Cinci after that Houston blow out I would fire Bill Self if I was the AD. A little hyperbole but it is truly unacceptable for Kansas.
Pick: Kansas +3 (-112) [via DraftKings]
8:30pm cst: Missouri Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs -2.5; Total 147
Missouri is colder than ice. I couldn’t bet on them unless they were get 5 or more points. Georgia can shoot the three. They have some size and can also rebound. I think this is a good matchup for them. I expect a fast game.
Pick: Georgia -2.5 (-108) [via DraftKings]
8:30pm cst: Boston College Eagles vs. Clemson Tigers -7.5; Total 145.5
Boston College has been playing great and looked damn good last night. We have a ticket on Clemson to win the ACC Tournament along with FSU (watch the video). If BC plays like they did last night with that crisp offense then they are live tonight. Clemson matches up well with BC defensively. These offenses are loving these DC rims. Let’s take this one over the total.
Pick: OVER 145.5 (-112) [via DraftKings]
10:30pm cst: Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Utah Utes -6; Total 143
Arizona State is such a bad matchup for Utah because of its pressure defense. They speed up the Utes, cause turnovers and make the game uncomfortable for the slower fundamental team. ASU’s herky jerky style is enough for me to take this tasty spread.
Pick: Arizona State +6 (-112) [via DraftKings]
Futures Deep Dive 1/26/24 (link):
2023-24 Futures Bets
[11/06/23 - preseason - via DK]
Arkansas Razorbacks 25/1
USC Trojans 35/1
Florida Atlantic Owls 40/1
Texas Longhorns 40/1
Baylor Bears 40/1
Texas A&M Aggies 55/1
Oregon Ducks 75/1
St. Johns Redmen 85/1
[11/20/23 - via DK]
UCLA Bruins 30/1
Mississippi State Bulldogs 150/1
[11/27/23 - via DK]
Oklahoma Sooners 150/1
[12/5/23] - via DK]
North Carolina Tar Heels 30/1
Florida Atlantic Owls 40/1
Texas Longhorns 55/1
Oklahoma Sooners 150/1
[12/16/23 - via DK]
North Carolina Tar Heels 30/1
Oklahoma Sooners 60/1
[1/17/24 - via DK]
North Carolina Tar Heels 16/1
Baylor Bears 30/1
Kansas State Wildcats 75/1
Oregon Ducks 100/1
UCF 250/1
[1/24/24 - via Circa Sports]
North Carolina Tar Heels 14/1
Texas Longhorns 90/1
Kansas State Wildcats 125/1
[2/17/24 - via DK]
Auburn Tigers 18/1
Kentucky Wildcats 25/1
San Diego State Aztecs 70/1
[2/21/24 - via DK]
Florida Gators 80/1
[2/28/24 - via DK]
Auburn Tigers 18/1
Kentucky Wildcats 22/1
Baylor Bears 45/1
Texas Longhorns 100/1
[3/2/24 - via DK]
Auburn Tigers 20/1
Kentucky Wildcats 22/1
Florida Gators 60/1
South Florida Bulls 300/1
