College Hoops Saturday & the Big 12 vs. SEC Showdown
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes leads the Volunteers against his former school Texas and star pupil Rodney Terry in tonight’s main event live from Knoxville.
We have a huge Saturday slate highlighted by the Big 12 vs. SEC Showdown. The Big 12 our best conference and nobody handicaps it better than we do. We’ll have a handicap for every game in the Showdown. Sitting at 48% on the season we have no time to waste. Let’s get after it!
#13 Auburn Tigers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (-3.5); total 142.5; 11:00am ct
“Huggy Bear” Bob Huggins and his Mountaineers will host Auburn in Morgantown. Bob Huggins famous Fish Fry Fundraiser was Friday night and I expect him to be locked in come Saturday morning. If you watched the Auburn vs. A&M game like we did you will know that Auburn’s guards don’t like playing against physical teams. The Aggie’s play defense like a Big 12 school and that’s high praise, brother. West Virginia would be a top 3 team in any other conference in America. Time to let some frustration out like they did against Texas Tech this week. A Huggy Bear team doesn’t quit and I expect the Mountaineers to catch a Tiger by the tail Saturday. Country roads take us home with a win -lay the points here.
Temple Owls (+5) vs. Central Florida Knights; total 133.5; 11:00am ct
Central Florida is coming off a hard fought losing effort to the #7 Houston Cougars. Temple is tied for 2nd in the AAC and every night they hit the hardwood an invitation to the big dance is on the line. Temple continues to be undervalued for some reason. The Owls are 4-1 against the spread its last five games and 4-1 ATS vs. UCF its last five meetings. Temple plays tough defense and you know how much we love that. Especially playing on the road. Give me the dog in what should be a tight contest.
#12 Xavier Musketeers (+5.5) vs. Creighton Blue Jays; total 157.5; 11:00am ct
Honestly, what do we love more than our Xavier Musketeers getting points? Very little! Xavier is an absolute machine under Sean Miller with its twin towers, tough guard play and the best scorer in the Big East Souley Boum. Creighton has been red hot recently especially at home but this is definitely a step up in competition. Creighton only loss by 3 to Xavier a couple games ago on the road. The spread in that game was X-Men laying 2.5. Now, Xavier is getting more than 5 points. Xavier outrebounded Creighton 41-30 and dominated the offensive glass. So, this is a large over correction. I would’ve made the number Creighton -2.5 and let the money do the rest. I’m happy to ride or die with Sean Miller and Xavier here. Give me the points.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide (-6) vs. Oklahoma Sooners; total 146; 1:00pm ct
The Crimson Tide head to Norman, Oklahoma to face off with the reeling Sooners. OU was dominated by TCU in its last game so we know the Sooners struggle with fast guards. That is exactly how Alabama loves to play - fast. Grant Sherfield is the only one on OU that can really run with the tide. The 6 here makes sense because OU is at home BUT they have Oklahoma State on deck in Norman. So to me this number is short! Bama had its scare earlier this week vs. Mississippi State so I expect them to be locked in. Give me Alabama in what I feel is a short number.
Illinois Fighting Illini (-1.5) vs. Wisconsin Badgers; total 132; 2:00pm ct
Right here we have a game with two teams heading in opposite directions. I love the way Illinois has been playing with Terrance Shannon Jr., Coleman Hawkins and Matthew Mayer on the outside and Dain Dainja Will Robinson in the paint. This team is hitting its stride on its way to March. I can’t see what Wisconsin can do here. They don’t have the guns to keep up and home court advantage won’t help. They will need to shoot lights out from 3 point range and I just don’t see it. Prove me wrong. Give me the Fightin’ Illini.
#11 TCU Horned Frogs (-2) vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs; total 131.5; 3:00pm ct
What a game we have in Starkville, Mississippi! The Bulldogs almost pulled off a huge upset on the road against #1 Alabama ultimately losing by 3. MSU tries to force teams to play at their slow half court pace. They have one of the best half court defenses in the country but can they score? TCU loves going against teams that love to play slow. They take it as a challenge to speed them up and cash in on mistakes. The TCU guards will be the dogs foamin’ at the mouth to turn this into a track meet - one that MSU won’t be able to keep up in. Think TCU vs. Baylor and Kansas. Big Eddie Lampkin is questionable with his ankle but I still like TCU here. The Horned Frog guard play will be a shock to Mississippi State’s system and they’ll need more than a couple thousand cow bells to stop these TCU guards. Lay the short number with this veteran TCU team.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. #20 Baylor Bears (-6.5); total 143.5; 3:00pm ct
The Razorbacks head to the Ferrell Center to take on the one of the hottest teams in the country the Baylor Bears. Arkansas can be sloppy with the ball and get trigger happy on offense forcing bad shots. Baylor doesn’t have a top tier defense like in years past but they do have a high powered offense with pro talent across the board. Arkansas’ Anthony Black’s father played basketball for Baylor. No idea why he didn’t choose the Bears but will be in for a rude awakening come 3pm. Arkansas struggled heavily against the Alabama guards. Baylor is built the same way. This looks like a high number and it may be but the Razorbacks aren’t very good on the road and the Ferrell Center will be nuts. Arkansas ain’t ready for these problems. Baylor has Texas on deck but I know they have their sights set on Arkansas Saturday. I’m laying it with Baylor.
Florida Gators (+5.5) vs. #4 Kansas State Wildcats; total 142.5; 5:00pm ct
This will be a great game with two hard nosed defenses. Both of these teams are red hot. Florida doesn’t get enough credit because of the style of basketball they play - “boring”. Gators chase teams off 3PT line, don’t give up easy buckets from the field and Collin Castleton is the anchor on the defense. Kansas State has such a good offense, they can play with anyone in the country. The Wildcats also play tough defense and they get that from their head coach Jerome Tang. I love the Octagon of Doom as much as anyone but the Gators have no fear and that confidence comes from how strong they play defense. Gators continue to be undervalued and I feel like this is two too many points. We can’t forget that this will be a revenge game for the Gators because K-State’s leading scorer Keyontae Johnson transferred from Florida. K-State has Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse on deck. This will be a great game.
#17 Kansas Jayhawks vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-2.5); total 140.5; 7:00pm ct
Battle of the blue bloods in Rupp Arena tonight. Kansas is trending foward after being #1 in the 24 Pack standings just last week. Kansas has dropped three games in a row and they have UK and K-State next. Kentucky has won four in a row and is finally healthy. I don’t think KJ Adams will be ready for Oscar Tshiebwe who is saw mill strong in the paint. Kentucky is hitting their stride heading into February. No love loss between Bill Self and John Calipari so expect a good game but I don’t think Kansas matches up well with Kentucky on the road.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Indiana Hoosiers (-5); total 145.5; 7:00pm ct
We have been bangin’ this gong for the past couple weeks. Ohio State is a total mess right now and Indiana is as strong as anyone. Trayce Jackson-Davis is playing like the Player of the Year and has not been stopped during the Hoosiers’ four game winning streak. The Buckeye’s have lost six of its last seven games. Not sure how OSU is going to matchup with the Hoosiers front court or back court for that matter. Don’t step in front of this freight train. Coach Mike Woodson has the Hoosiers locked in after a lackluster start to the season.
Other highlighted games today. Hit us up on Twitter or leave a comment with any questions (spread is shown for favored team):
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats (-12); total 127.5; 11:00am ct
The Golden Gophers travel to Welsh-Ryan Arena to face the Wildcats who are starting to heat back up in Big 10 play. NW hasn’t laid this many points in a Big 10 game this season and who knows when the last time they actually did. Dawson Garcia and his ankle are questionable for the Gophers so that may explain it. I lean Gophers if they are fully healthy but this one is a pass for me. Gophers are 5-0 ATS on the road.
North Carolina State Wolf Pack vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (-3.5); total 154.5; 12:00pm ct
We have a big game in the ACC with both teams trying to keep pace with the top of the conference. NCST is a good rebounding team and they also defend the 3PT line well. Wake Forest has a pretty good offense and they will be ready to attack the subpar Wolf Pack defense. The Demon Deacons have Duke on deck next but NCST is higher in the standings so they will be up for this game. They smoked NCST last year at home. I lean with the Demon Deacons here.
#8 Iowa State Cyclones vs. Missouri Tigers (+1.5); total 142.5; 1:00pm ct
The Cyclones are coming off a huge win against Kansas State and is now in a three way tie for 1st place in the Big 12. I smell a let down game. Mizzou has a great home court advantage, great at shooting FTs and has a solid all around offense. The Tigers only have 2 losses at home with one of those being against #17 Kansas. Iowa State is 1-3 on the road. I like Mizzou and what I think will be a rockin’ crowd.
Texas Tech Red Raiders (-2.5) vs. LSU Tigers; total 133.5; 1:00pm ct
Here is a game with two teams that could not be any lower or playing worse. It’s sad to see. Texas Tech loss tons of talent from last year and just does not have enough to keep up in the Big 12. About the same story with LSU who is playing with I believe 95% transfers. This is a total pass for me. I lean the dog in what should be a coin flip game.
#3 Marquette Golden Eagles (-9.5) vs. DePaul Blue Demons; total 153; 1:00pm ct
Marquette is playing some of the best defense in the country with some grade A guard play. That will not scare DePaul. The Blue Demons have gone toe to toe with the top of the Big East especially at home. They stole a game against Xavier at home. This is the most points Marquette has laid vs. DePaul. No look ahead spots here. This is a tough because Marquette is so good on defense and can score. It’s a pass for me but I would take the points with DePaul. The Blue Demons love getting up for games like these.
LaSalle Explorers vs. Rhode Island Rams (-6); total 138.5; 1:00pm ct
After a stretch of five games of Rhode Island being a dog they are now the favorite. Is the hunter ready to be hunted. Fran Dunphy’s Explorers won’t be laying down for anyone. The Explorers defeated the Rams by 1 point earlier this season at home. Is this number too much of a correction? I believe so. I lean LaSalle here. I haven’t seen enough of Rhode Island to officially play LaSalle. Good matchup here.
George Washington Colonials vs. Fordham Rams (-3.5); total 148.5; 1:00pm ct
The Colonials of George Washington have been surging up the Atlantic 10 standings and Fordham is only .5 games behind them. This is a big matchup. Both of these teams are riding 3 game winning streaks. This will be a matchup of George Washington’s offense vs. Fordham’s defense. I’ve been watching GW on this winning streak and its offense is the real deal. I lean with the Colonials here. Wait a bit maybe GW climbs to 4 points. I’m passing right now because I haven’t seen enough of this Fordham defense.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. #7 Houston Cougars (-13.5); total 132.5; 1:15pm ct
The Bearcats struggle with teams that are bigger, stronger and meaner than they are. That is exactly what Houston is. On Sunday Cincinnati’s offense went stagnant continuously and Memphis has no where near a defense as good as Houston’s. Their last two meetings Houston won by 13 each game. Houston’s last home game they laid 19.5 vs. Temple who plays good tough defense. Cinci isn’t that type of team so this number looks a little low but it’s a correction from that Temple game so it makes sense. Not a fan of laying double digits but lke I said, Cinci doesn’t enjoy playing strong, mean defenses. It’s Houston or nothing for me.
Duke Blue Devils (-8.5) vs. Georgia Tech; total 138; 2:00pm ct
The Blue Devils are on a 0-6 ATS run, which is not good. Georgia Tech can play some defense but its offense is putrid. Too many points to take a shot with Duke here even though that is the way I lean due to the GT offense. No play for me. GT can’t score and Duke is terrible on the road.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (-1); total 148.5; 3:00pm ct
Huge game in the ACC. The winner stays in 3rd place in the ACC and possible bumped up to 2nd. Pitt has been in some battle lately and Miami is coming off a routing of Florida State in Tallahassee. Pitt has just as good of an offense as Miami without the household names. Pitt also plays better defense than the Canes. Pitt also gets to play at home. I lean with Pitt here but the coin flip number means its a pass for me.
Seton Hall Pirates (-2) vs. Butler Bulldogs; total 130.5; 3:00pm ct
Shaheen Holloway’s Pirates head into Hinkle Fieldhouse to take on the struggling Butler Bulldogs. A positive for Butler is that they finally have center Manny Bates back from his knee injury. This number screams upset for Butler with Manny Bates back in Hinkle. Butler is strong at home and Seton Hall struggles on the road. I lean Butler here. No play due to the fact it is so hard for Butler to produce on offense but I like the Bulldogs in this situation.
Clemson Tigers (-2) vs. Florida State Seminoles; total 142.5; 4:00pm ct
Clemson is at the top of the ACC and Florida State in the bottom quadrant. Last week we thought Miami was going to get caught in the Florida State trap in Tallahassee and they ended up destroying FSU. This game has the same feeling even though Clemson is pretty hot right now and has had success in Tallahassee. I lean Clemson because of its talent but something tells me FSU is going to be up and ready for this game. Pass.
#6 Arizona Wildcats (-9.5) vs. Washington Huskies; total 151.5; 4:30pm ct
I liked what I saw from Arizona against Washington State but I hated what I saw when Arizona tried to close the game out. I loved the way Washington played against Arizona State. UW plays with aggression and speed. The guards are susceptible to turnovers and that could be a problem because U of A’s backcourt can guard. The Wildcat’s center Ballo looks extremely slow. Washington has big men to matchup with Arizona and they gave them a great fight earlier in the season on the road. Now they are at home. The Huskies offense can get stagnant, which scares me but I liked their defense and size. This feels like too many points but the number in the first meeting was Arizona laying 18.5.
#10 Texas Longhorns vs. #5 Tennessee Volunteers (-6.5); total 135.5; 5:00pm ct
“Something in the orange tells me we’re not done” (Zach Bryan). Oh, baby we got one hell of a matchup in Knoxville with the Volunteers having revenge on their mind. Rick Barnes the teacher vs. his student Rodney Terry. Coach Terry was on Rick Barnes’ staff at Texas for nine seasons. In those nine seasons the University of Texas only posted a record of 232 and 80 (.744). Rick Barnes is tied for 21st all time in wins all time. A legend in the game. Earlier this week I made the number for this game Vols -6/7. It is sitting at Tennessee -6.5 currently. Texas has the guards to score and play defense with the Vols. I feel that Texas is going to struggle with the size that Tennessee has inside with Plavsic. Kentucky gave Tennessee big problems because UK was bigger and rebounded better than the Vols. Will Tennessee be able to flip that script on Texas? It’s possible. Texas has some size but none that will be playing in the NBA like Kentucky showcased in Knoxville. Neither squad is great at rebounding except for Tennessee on the offensive boards. If Texas can keep them off the offensive glass I think they can nullify the lack of size. Texas is ranked 32nd in Assist to TO ratio on offense and Tennessee is ranked #1 in the same on defense. I’m going to stay true to my number even though I feel these teams are dead even. Anything 6.5 or higher is a play on Texas and 6 or lower is a play on Tennessee. Will let this number marinate. If you like Texas grab it while its 6.5. Can’t wait to watch this one. Here is a link to the article I wrote about Rodney Terry that’s worth a read: Head Coach Rodney Terry
Syracuse Orange Men vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (-6.5); total 140.5; 6:00pm ct
Now here is a line I do not really understand. Yes, VaTech just got one of its best players back from injury and beat Duke but that was only by three points. Syracuse has been undervalued all season and it’s kind of surprising to be honest with you. They’re solid! The Hokies are 1-7 in its last 8 games. Way too many points here so give me Boeheim and the Orange in what has been a great coaching performance this season.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Washington State Cougars (-3.5); total 131.5; 7:00pm ct
I don’t know how much more I can emphasize that I believe ASU is in a downward spiral and it doesn’t look good. Sun Devils have a great pressure defense but the offense gets so stagnant. When that happens the Sun Devils either turn the ball over or force a terrible shot. Washington State has plenty of talent but they played way below their potential and I think they finally found themselves. The Wazzu defense is no joke and they’ll give ASU plenty of fits. Wazzu being favored here tells you all you need to know about the current state of ASU. I like Wazzu here.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (-1.5); total 139.5; 9:00pm ct
UNLV is colder than a cocktail waitress at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Nevada on the other hand is hotter than The Ruben at a high limit black jack table at 3 in the morning. I’m not understanding the number in this game and money continues to come in on the Runnin’ Rebels. UNLV has had success recently at home vs. Reno but this is a different team. Nevada has some weapons inside and out. Give me Nevada-Reno in what I think is a mismatch.
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (-9.5); total 130: 7:00pm ct
The bottom of the SEC is no where close to the talent of the bottom quadrant of the Big 12 (except Texas Tech). Ole Miss will be in for a surprise when they step foot on Eddie Sutton court because that Stillwater crowd will be ready to blow the roof off the joint. OSU is on a two game losing streak but they have a good chance at a get right spot before they play Oklahoma. OU will be looking for revenge in that Bedlam game. OSU plays great defense and the Ole Miss offense is elementary in comparison. I expect the Cowboys to flex their muscles tonight in what we call “get while the gettin’s good”.
We have a huge Saturday ahead. If you have any questions just ask because I know numbers will change by the time we get to 11am tip-off. Handicaps are also there for you to make your own decisions. Thanks to those that took the time to read. Follow along on our socials and good luck to us!
