College Hoops Saturday
Keisei Tominaga the Nebraska Cornhuskers flame-thrower you’ve never heard of hosts the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday looking to build off of his huge performance vs. Penn State.
No time to waste. A huge slate of basketball games to look forward to. We need no introduction today. Let’s go! No Saturday stream but follow us and hangout next week! DDSN Twitch
Providence Friars vs. St. John’s Red Storm (+5.5); total 151.5; 11:00am ct
Mike Anderson’s Red Storm have hit a bit of a cold run but after laying the wood on Butler they have some momentum as they host the Friars. Earlier in the season the Johnnies gave Providence some fits only losing by 3 at home and that spready was Friars -6. Now the Red Storm at home are getting almost the same number. St. John’s pressure defense gave the Friars problems and I expect that to continue. Center Joel Soriano is the tallest sow at the trough and I think we’ll see him gobble up plenty of rebounds. Give me the Johnnies at home with Providence having a look ahead against Creighton on deck.
UCONN Huskies vs. Creighton Blue Jays (-4.5); total 142.5; 1:00pm ct
The Creighton Blue Jays are hotter than anyone in the country. UCONN is coming off a huge home win vs. Marquette and also defeated Creighton earlier in the year. That win was credited to UCONN making 6 more 3PTs even though they only won by 9. That’s been UCONN’s story all season. Creighton out rebounded UCONN 49-34. Creighton faced Xavier and that spread was -5.5 and Providence that spread was -7.5 so I look a this as a discounted line. I feel it should be 7 points. Give me Creighton in a revenge spot at home.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (-5); total 133.5; 1:00pm ct
We have faded Rutgers every time there is a short number and they are on the road. Rutgers plays great defense and can shoot the three but on the road they just aren’t the same as in Piscataway, NJ. Illinois is coming off a tough road loss to Iowa and I expect them be ready for this game. This would leap from Rutgers for a tie for 2nd place in the Big 10. Rutgers also loss Mawot Mag for the season.
UMASS Minutemen vs. LaSalle Explorers (-4); total 147; 1:00pm ct
Don’t look now but Fran Dunphy and his Explorers are on a three game winning streak. They are now favorites for the 1st time since January 16th. UMASS has loss three games in a row and has been struggling against the spread. LaSalle pulled off the upset by 1 points earlier this year on the road against UMASS as 9 point dogs. Will the hunters be able to handle the new role? I like LaSalle to extend the winning streak to 4 games!
Duke Blue Devils vs. Virginia Cavaliers (-6); total 126; 3:00pm ct
We have profiting nicely on fading Duke on the road. We will go back to the well once again this time with a great defense. Earlier this week we knew that Duke was not going to be able to keep up with the Miami offense after battling with North Carolina. The Duke offense struggles on the road and Virginia will want to secure its #1 spot atop the ACC standings. Let’s make Duke beat us. Wahoo.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (+3); total 127; 3:00pm
Nebraska a home dog? Yes, please. Tune in and watch Keisei Tominaga play as the Japanese sharpshooter puts on a show every game in Lincoln. This Nebraska team steps up every home game it doesn’t matter who the opponent is. The Badgers are trying to get into the NCAA Tournament conversation but they will have to go through Nebraska first. Go Huskers.
Missouri Tigers (+12) vs. Tennessee Volunteers; total 141.5; 5:00pm
How’s this for some inflation? No not eggs but the Mizzou Tigers getting double digits on the road against Tennessee. The Vols have Alabama and Kentucky on deck. I see a look ahead here especially with pressure on Rick Barnes to deliver come March. Too many points here.
Other highlighted games:
Marquette Golden Eagles (-10) vs. Georgetown Hoyas; total 149.5; 11:00am
The Golden Eagles are coming off an embarrassing loss to UCONN earlier this week where the Huskies had their way for Marquette. The Golden Eagles turned the ball over too many times and could not stop UCONN from making 3PTs. The Hoyas are one of the worst 3PT shooting teams in the country but Georgetown comes into this game winning 7 straight games against the spread. Marquette has Xavier on deck at home who lost last night on the road to Butler. Will the Golden Eagles suffer the same fate? This spread is 2 points too shy of where I would buy on the Hoyas. Georgetown or pass for me.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Longhorns (-6.5); total 149; 11:00am
West Virginia continues its mission to crawl itself out of the bottom of the Big 12 standing hoping to punch its NCAA Tournament ticket. UT has been on a tough road stretch where they loss 2/3 road games but still stand tall in 1st place of the Big 12. The Longhorns have Texas Tech on deck in Lubbock who have been playing better as of late. I expect the Texas defense to lock in defensively on WVU. They need to cut down on turnovers to win and cover this game. Texas has had plenty of success against WVU but this number feels a little long with the Mountaineers recent success. The last time WVU lost a game by more than 7 points was … against Texas. I lean UT if this number gets to 6 and I also like under 149 here. Good luck however you play it.
Pittsburgh Panthers (-4.5) vs. Florida State Seminoles; total 144.5; 11:00am
When these two met earlier in the season Florida State stole a game on the road defeating the Panthers by seven points. Pitt has not loss a game since then and FSU has only defeated Louisville. It was a dead even game but FSU made 3 more 3PTs and that was the difference in the game. Pitt has covered every game on the road and I like that tend to continue in a revenge spot to maintain its tie for 1st place in the ACC.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Maryland Terrapins (-9); total 134.5; 11:00am
Kevin Willard’s Terrapins have been on a hot streak especially at home where they still hold an undefeated Big 10 record. Penn State on the other hand has looked shaky with the exception of its win vs. Michigan. PSU has had great success against Maryland but after the pitiful performance against Wisconsin at home this is a team I cannot back. This line is about 3 points too high for me to lay even though Maryland has been great at home. PSU plays small ball so they’ll be able to match up with Maryland but this number is too high for the Terps and I can’t trust the Nittany Lions.
Kentucky Wildcats (-8) vs. Georgia Bulldogs; total 141.5; 11:00pm ct
The Georgia Bulldogs have looked pathetic and are experiencing a free fall after starting SEC play hot. Kentucky got slapped around by Arkansas in Lexington earlier this week and I expect Calipari to have the Cats focused and locked in for Georgia. UK has Mississippi State next on the road then Tennessee at home. This is a must win for Kentucky. I’ll back the Wildcats in what is a fade of Georgia’s sad play lately.
Kansas Jayhawks (-3) vs. Oklahoma Sooners; 140.5; 12:00pm ct
Kansas on the road and the Sooners in their current form… no thanks. Everything says take a shot with the Sooners here but will they be able to score? Oklahoma always gets up to face the Jayhawks but OU has been laying on the mat since its home win vs. Alabama. I can’t play Kansas because they do not show up on the road. OU almost beat KU in Allen Fieldhouse with only two 3PTs so that’s a good sign. Plug your nose and take the Sooners or pass. No thank you.
George Washington Colonials vs. St. Joseph’s Hawks (-5); total 152.5; 12:00
We know and have been following St. Joseph’s ascent in the Atlantic 10 with the Hawks doing it with its defense and 3PT shooting. We saw this matchup about 2 weeks ago where Joe’s was a +4.5 road dog and loss by 1 in OT. Now they are the hunted as 5 point favorites. This is a 9.5 point correction. These teams are about even so I would lean GW on the road but the Hawks are dangerous. GW or pass.
Alabama Crimson Tide (-2.5) vs. Auburn Tigers; total 152.5; 1:00pm ct
Alabama has been on a tear ever since they got their teeth kicked in by Oklahoma. The Tigers have been some close games losing its last 4/5. This number is too short to play Auburn unless you believe the Tigers win this outright. Alabama does have a road game with Tennessee on deck but this is a rivalry game even on the hardwood so I don’t expect any look ahead for Bama. The “look ahead” is factored in this line. Was hoping to get at least 4 points with Auburn. I lean Alabama at this number but with a huge slate I’m passing on the road favorite.
Clemson Tigers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (-7.5); total 149.5; 1:00pm ct
The Tar Heels have loss 3 games in a row and are now in desperate need before they are knocked out of the NCAA Tournament conversation. Clemson is in a tie for 1st place in the ACC so they know what’s at stake. Both teams are on a cold streak so I’m not sure why Carolina is laying 7.5 here. Clemson has enough size to battle with the Tar Heels but its the offense that the Tigers need help with. UNC is only about 10 spots ahead of the Tigers in the offensive efficiency category. UNC also has Miami on deck. Too many points. Clemson or pass for me.
Baylor Bears (-1) vs. TCU Horned Frogs; total 149.5; 3:00pm ct
What a Big 12 game we have here! Will Mike Miles play? TCU got thrashed by K-State on the road. The Frogs have been on a brutal road stretch as well. Eddie Lampkin may still be injured because he didn’t score any points against the Wildcats in 18 minutes. TCU had an impressive comeback win against Baylor very early in Big 12 play mainly due to their ability to speed up the Bears’ offense. I expect TCU to attempt to do the same especially at home. I can see Baylor bounce back here especially if TCU still isn’t healthy. Check for injury reports on Mike Miles and Eddie Lampkin.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. San Diego State Aztecs (-10); total 139.5; 3:00pm
San Diego State is still holding on to 1st place in a very close Mountain West race. The Aztecs have a suffocating defense and I don’t think UNLV will be ready for what awaits them in the Viejas Arena. I can see this game getting out of hand like when Boise State visited the Aztecs. UNLV is not on the same level as the top of the MW. I don’t like laying double digits but I lean Aztecs here.
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Iowa State Cyclones (-6); total 127; 5:00pm
OSU is coming off a nail biting win at home against Texas Tech. The offense looked out of sorts without PG Avery Anderson III. OSU will have Moussa Cesse to handle Osunniyi in the paint but its the 3PT shooting Iowa State is capable of at home. This number looks a bit high most likely due to ISU handling Kansas with ease last Saturday. I’m never comfortable backing OSU on the road and I won’t here. I’d play the Cyclones but I’ll pass.
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Michigan Wolverines (-3); total 144; 5:00pm
This number screams upset! Michigan has been playing great at home besides the loss to Purdue. Indiana has struggled on the road especially as underdogs this season. This was the same situation and spread when the Hoosiers were upset by Maryland. Trayce Jackson-Davis will match up nicely vs. Hunter Dickinson but will they be able to stop Jett Howard? This line screams Michigan so I would say Wolverines or pass.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (-6.5); total 129.5; 5:00
Both of these teams are on the uptick after a very slow start to SEC play. I remember betting this game last year. The same spread and it took a surge from Arkansas the last two minutes of the game and a lucky break for them to cover the number. MSU has a great half-court defense and that’s what Arkansas struggles with. Although they were able to handle Texas A&M with ease. This is a tough game and a number too high to trust Arkansas with after dominating Kentucky on the road. Can’t play this one either way.
Kansas State Wildcats (-1) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders; total 144.5; 6:00pm
Texas Tech will be celebrating its centennial on Saturday so I expect there to be a packed house for this one. The Red Raiders have shown life since its improbable comeback win against Iowa State at home. The Red Raiders are a great FT shooting team and its gotten them through some jams and kept them in close games. Texas Tech’s last home game was against ISU and they were underdogs until 30 minutes until tip off and money POURED in on Tech to make them -2 favorites. Controversial game with the officials handing TT 40 FT attempts. K-State is a fine road team and they have a great offense and defense. Tech should be getting more points here. K-State or pass for me. Huge talent difference but the Red Raiders in Lubbock - anything can happen as we’ve seen.
Arizona Wildcats (-9) vs. Stanford Cardinal; total 151.5; 7:00pm ct
On Thursday night the Stanford Cardinal blew its home game against ASU by only scoring 2 points in the last 6 minutes of the game. After watching that we now know they will struggle with a pressure defense. I can see Tommy Lloyd pressuring the Stanford guards all night and exploiting this weakness. Stanford has nowhere near the caliber of talent as Arizona. This is a lot of points on the road for Arizona but they laid 9 to Washington on the road and ended up beating them by 23 points. Arizona or nothing.
Seton Hall Pirates vs. Villanova Wildcats (-5); total 131; 7:00pm
This spread opened up as Nova being favored by 3 points and it shot up to 5. I’m not too sure how to explain that line movement because 3 seems like a fair number for Villanova at home. This is a must win game for Seton Hall to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive. They cannot drop many more games in Big East play and expect to survive. Both of these teams play small so Hall will match up well. Seton Hall’s offense can get stagnant without any go-to scorer on the team. That is where Nova has the advantage especially with Cam Whitmore and its experience team. I lean Seton Hall at this number but I’ll pass with the Pirates on the road.
Texas A&M Fightin’ Aggies (-7) vs. LSU Tigers; total 138.5; 7:30pm ct
LSU has been struggling severely and I do not see that stopping anytime soon. Aggies play great defense and I can’t see LSU all of a sudden being able to score. Crazier things have happened but it’s doubtful. Lay it with the Aggies or nothin’. I never feel comfortable laying a number like this on the road. Buzz Williams and the Aggies cannot afford to be lazy.
UCLA Bruins (-2) vs. Oregon Ducks; total 133.5; 9:00pm ct
After watching Oregon destroy USC at home Thursday night they look like they can beat anyone at home. The seniors Dante and Richardson look like they are ready to carry this team into March. I can’t play UCLA on the road after what I saw even though I believe UCLA is still one of the best teams in the country. Play the home dog in prime time or pass.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. Utah Utes (-4); total 136.5; 9:00pm ct
Which Utah team shows up? Utah is typically good at home but have dropped some really bad games at home. Colorado will be looking to play spoiler as the Buffaloes are trying to sneak into the NCAA Tournament, which I do not see happening. Utah hasn’t had great success at home or in general against Colorado. This game is a coin toss. Pass.
Thanks to those that took the time to read. Follow along on our socials and good luck to us!
