Sports Picks & Predictions

4 Unit Play. #829 Take VCU over Richmond (2:30 pm) I will be brief with this analysis. I just do not believe Richmond is good enough to beat VCU three times in one season. VCU got a bad whistle in the second match-up which they lost in double OT and things have a way of evening themselves out. 

10 Unit Play. #516 Take Indiana over Northwestern (6:30 pm ESPN 2) The Hoosiers have played themselves onto the bubble losing a pair of home games to close out the regular season. This now becomes a must win game for them if they have any hopes of making the big dance. The Wildcats played better down the stretch including winning four straight but they have now lost two of their last three and could have lost all three of them (beat Michigan in double OT). Indiana will also have revenge on their minds, as Northwestern beat them by 7 points on February 25th. Indiana will have a strong fan base in Chicago and this is a coaching career defining moment for Tom Crean. He needs to win this game and expect him to get it in a big way. Northwestern is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games. Take the chalk in this contest. 

3 Unit Play. #562 Take Old Dominion -6.5 over Middle Tennessee State (3:30 pm) The Monarchs are on the bubble and need to take care of business in the early rounds of the 2015 Conference USA Basketball Tournament. The Blue Raiders beat the Monarchs in overtime in the only match-up this season but Old Dominion has been playing great down the stretch winning six straight games. MTSU is 3-8 ATS (1 push) in their last 12 neutral site games. Old Dominion has covered the spread in their last 6 victories.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #751 Take Nevada over UNLV (5:30 pm the MWC) Both of these teams underachieved this season but this is an opportunity for Nevada to give their coach a parting gift before he is relieved of his duties next week. Nevada has won two straight games in Las Vegas against UNLV and three of the last four overall meetings. UNLV is really banged up at the moment and I just do not see them blowing out a motivated Wolf Pack squad. This game just means more to Nevada, as they consider UNLV their main rival whereas UNLV does not. Take the points in this game that will likely go down to the wire. 

10 Unit Play. #674 Take Valparaiso over Green Bay (7 pm ESPN) This is the rubber match for this winner take all Horizon League Championship. Valpo won the regular season title and should have beaten Green Bay all three games but I fully expect them to take two of three from the Phoenix. The Crusaders beat the Phoenix by 4 points in their last match-up and that game was not as close as the final score would indicate. Valpo lead by 13 points in that game with under five minutes to play and Keifer Sykes had just 18 combined points in their two meetings. Valpo should be able to handle him again and I just do not believe Green Bay has enough talent around him to him this game. Valpo went undefeated at home during Horizon League play and lost just one game of the season in northern Indiana. Green Bay is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. Valpo is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. We will hit the quinella tonight collect with our futures bet and our side play. 

2 Unit Play. #868 Take Akron over Northern Illinois (7 pm) The MAC Conference Tournament is a one bid winner take all event and expect the Zips to move onto the quarterfinals in this wide open event. The Zips lost to the Huskies earlier this season in DeKalb and expect them to get revenge in a big way on Monday night. The Huskies are no longer a bottom feeder team in the league but the MAC East was a little stronger that the West and thus they are more battle tested for this event. Akron has covered 7 of their last 9 home games. 

10 Unit Play. #629 Take Iowa State over TCU (8:30 pm ESPN News) I believe that the Cyclones have underachieved a little bit in a very tough conference but I fully expect them to close out the season with two straight wins. Iowa State is riding high all week after coming back from a 20 point deficit to beat Oklahoma on Monday. TCU has improved this season but they are not ready to compete in the Big 12 where they are just 4-13. That includes a 7 game losing streak in January. Granted they have hung tough in many of these games but eventually losing takes its toll on them and they are ready for this season to end. The Cyclones won the first meeting of the season by 17 points and TCU is just 1-10 against ranked opponents this season. Iowa State has won all five meetings conference match-ups with TCU by double digits. Throw in the fact that TCU does not play on campus this season due to renovations to Daniel–Meyer Coliseum and thus much of their home court edge is lost since this game is being played at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center. Iowa State is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. I see Iowa State winning this game and that should mean the odds greatly favor us in covering the spread.  

6 Unit Play. #546 Take Oklahoma over Kansas (4 pm ESPN) I will not mention the Kansas players names (bad luck on Tuesday) but the Jayhawks are undermanned for this game against a team that is angry about their performance Monday night. Kansas has already clinched the Big 12 Regular Season Title and thus this game does not mean anything to them. They would need a miracle to move up to the No. 1 line come selection Sunday and they are pretty much entrenched as a No. 2 seed. Oklahoma blew a big lead against Iowa State on Monday night and this is a game they need to get back on track. OU is still playing for a No. 2 seed and they will send out their seniors in style. Kansas has not covered a game in their last five games. Oklahoma is 20-8 ATS (1 push) in their last 29 Saturday games. 

3 Unit Play. #509 Take Arkansas -2 over South Carolina (7 pm ESPN 2) The Gamecocks have not put together two victories in a row during SEC play and I do not expect them to break that streak tonight. Arkansas is clearly the second best team in the SEC and already beat USC by 20 points earlier this season. South Carolina is 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #505 Take Wisconsin over Minnesota (7 pm ESPN) Many may believe Minnesota will go all out to win this game and make a run into the NCAA Tournament. But that is not the case as Minnesota is not even on the bubble and Wisconsin will not take them lightly. Minnesota beat the last year at the Barn and played decent against them this season in Madison. Wisconsin clobbered Michigan State in a game that was not as close as the final score would indicate (yes we did get backdoored). Wisconsin still has a chance at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and thus avoid being in Kentucky’s region. They cannot afford another loss and expect them to get it in a big way behind Frank Kaminsky and company. Minnesota is 5-12 ATS in their last 17 Big 10 games. Wisconsin pounded Minnesota in the Big 10 Tournament and that is how I see this game going as well. 

2 Unit Play. #774 Take San Jose State over Boise State (10:15 pm) The Spartans have been a covering machine of late and tonight will be no different. Boise State is on fire and has a great chance to win the Mountain West but I do not believe they will be motivated for this game. Expect them to just go through the motions and win this game by 15 points. San Jose State is weak inside the paint but Boise State is a guard oriented team. San Jose State is 5-1 ATS (1 push) in their last 7 games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

3 Unit Play. #755 Take Tulsa over Cincinnati (9 pm CBSSN) The Hurricanes just continue to win games and should be able to take out the Bearcats tonight in Oklahoma. Cincinnati is a borderline NCAA Tournament team and they enter this game on a roll winning three straight games. But those three victories came against bottom feeder teams. Tulsa has a chance to clinch a share of the AAC regular season on season night and you can bet Frank Haith will have his team ready to go. Tulsa is 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games following an ATS win. 

2 Unit Play. #739 Take George Washington over George Mason (7 pm) This battle in the district features two teams that do not like each other. George Washington appeared well on their way to making the NCAA Tournament but they have completely fallen apart down the stretch losing 7 of their last 9 games. That being said they still have talent and will be able to take care of George Mason tonight. The Patriots are coming off a win but that is usually followed by 3 or 4 losses and tonight will be no different. Just not a big believer in Paul Hewitt as a coach and I look for George Washington to right the ship. George Mason is 19-43 ATS in their last 62 games following a victory. 

10 Unit Play. #540 Take Missouri over Auburn (9 pm SEC Network) Kim Anderson knew he was taking over a major rebuilding job when he took over as head coach of Missouri, where he played college basketball. Missou has won just one game since January 8th and Coach Anderson does not want to finish out the season without another win. This is his chance for a victory and his Tigers should be able to get it in a big way. The Auburn Tigers are reeling as well in year one under Bruce Pearl and they have been blown out in four straight games since beating Georgia on February 14th. They will also be without their second leading scorer for this game in Antoine Mason, as he will grieving the tragic loss of his father and former NBA player Anthony Mason. He had scored 24 and 29 points in two of his last three games and this is a gigantic loss for an already weak and undersized team. Missouri had 40 rebounds in their first meeting and that is where they have a major edge in this game. Auburn won the first meeting by 6 points but they shot 37 free throws in that contest and that will not happen tonight on the road. Auburn is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games played on Tuesday. Missou has bounced back well after they have gotten blown out going 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a in their previous game of more than 20 points. 

2 Unit Play. #712 Take Under in Virginia @ Syracuse (7 pm ESPN) Really not a fan of either of these two offenses especially with Justin Anderson out for Virginia. The Cavaliers have the top defense in the country allowing just over 50 points per game. They have held opponents under 61 points in seven straight games and should be even tougher at the Carrier Dome tonight. Syracuse is banned from postseason play and they lack depth and thus that is beginning to take its toll on this team. Trevor Cooney has been awful of late and only one time in his last nine games has he shot above 39% from the field. They are running out of gas and I just do not see them putting up many points tonight. Virginia has played under the posted total in 10 of the last 15 games (1 push). Syracuse has played under the posted total in 4 straight games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #828 Take Wisconsin over Michigan State (4 pm CBS) This is just not a typical Michigan State team with very little size and not great shooters. Wisconsin is upset about losing to Maryland on Tuesday and expect them to go all out to win this game by double digits. Michigan State is coming off an overtime loss to Minnesota and the odds makers are still giving this team too much respect. Wisconsin has the better player at 4 of the 5 positions of the court and this is a game Bo Ryan always gets up for. Michigan State is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. Lay the wood on Sunday. 

10 Unit Play. #674 Take Fresno State over New Mexico (10 pm ESPN U) Just feel the line is way too low in this game. Fresno State has been a decent team since Cezar Guerrero came back into the line-up and they have some impressive wins against San Diego State, Boise State, and at Wyoming this week. New Mexico is just a sinking ship at the moment and as I said Tuesday in their game at Boise State may fans do not believe they have the right man as head coach in Craig Neal. New Mexico has lost seven straight games and their last three games they have not been competitive at all. Their 11 point loss against Boise State was not as close as it might indicate as they were down by 19 points 17 minutes into that game. I like Hugh Greenwood as a player and a person but he is not a dynamic scorer that can carry this team anywhere. New Mexico has lost 7 straight games and they have not covered the spread in any of those games as well. That is what this play comes down to, fading New Mexico much like we did last week fading Florida.  

6 Unit Play. #684 Take Utah -1.5 over Arizona (9 pm ESPN) I just am not a big believer in Arizona this season and this line is way too low considering how strong Utah is on their home court. Utah got beat badly in their first meeting this season in Tucson but the Utah are a perfect 16-0 at home and their average margin of victory is over 26 points per game. They just destroyed Arizona State on Thursday, a team that beat Arizona this season. Arizona is also coming off a blowout victory at Colorado but that was mostly done at the foul line and they will not be shooting that many free throws tonight in Salt Lake City. Arizona is 3-0 this season against ranked teams but this is the first true road game this season for them facing a ranked team. Arizona has already lost true road games at UNLV, Oregon State, and Arizona State, three teams that will not be sniffing the NCAA Tournament. Utah is 38-12 ATS (1 push) in their last 51 home games. Utah is also 21-5 ATS in their last 26 games played on Saturday. This is the game that will be a landmark win for the Larry Krystkowiak and his major rebuilding project is now complete and this is one of the top teams in the country. 

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #615 Take San Jose State over Nevada (6 pm the MWC) The Spartans only conference win came last year at Nevada and expect history to repeat itself on Saturday. Not sure if the Spartans can pull off the victory straight-up but they can certainly stay with the posted number. Nevada has a lame duck coach and a team that is almost as bad as San Jose State. Nevada will likely just out early to a double digit lead but the Spartans seems to hang in there after that and not let the deficit get any larger. Nevada seems to play down to their competition as they are just 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with a winning percentage below .400. Look for a Wolf Pack victory by 8-11 points. 

10 Unit Play. #545 Take SMU over Memphis (9 pm ESPN 2) The Mustangs have been on a tear during American Conference play. They have only lost to one team since November 26th and are clearly the best team in the American Athletic Conference. To be honest most of SMU’s games have not been close and that includes a 14 point victory against Memphis when these teams met in January in Dallas. The Tigers have been playing at little better of late but wins against UCF and USF are not the same as betting SMU. Memphis has already lost four home games this season against teams like Tulane and Stephen F. Austin. SMU is 7-2 ATS (2 pushes) in their last 11 games. Memphis is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. Memphis is not making the NCAA Tournament and SMU is and they march on in this game. 

4 Unit Play. #737 Take Valparaiso over Detroit (7 pm ESPN 3) The Crusaders need just one win in their last two games to earn the regular season championship in the Horizon League and thus get to host the Conference Tournament. With a trip to Cleveland State on deck they do not want any part of a winner take all scenario on Friday. That can become moot if they win tonight and I expect them to accomplish that task. Detroit has a terrible record but they played a brutal nonconference schedule but seemed to find their form mid-January. But come the end of February that schedule has taken its toll and they are struggling down the stretch with losses in five of their last seven games. Valparaiso is 6-0 ATS (1 push) in their last 7 road games against team with a winning home record. Detroit is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Just do not see Valpo losing this game straight-up and if they win straight up they should be able to cover the spread as well. 

10 Unit Play. #525 Take Akron over Buffalo (7 pm ESPN 3) The Zips just do not get blown out very much during MAC play. Their last five losses in the MAC have come by just a combined 14 points (less than 3 per game). Akron beat Buffalo in Ohio this season and I see this match-up going down to the wire as well. Buffalo has been a team I have been high on all season long and they have finally started to show some potential winning their last two games by double digits. But before that they lost three straight games including blowing a big halftime lead against Central Michigan. Buffalo will likely get out to a big first half lead but expect the Zips to crawl back into this affair and take it down to the wire. Buffalo is just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games. 

2 Unit Play. #822 Take Michigan over Ohio State (1 pm CBS) Michigan has been devastated by injuries this season but I just do not see them getting blown out in this rivalry game. Ohio State has already lost at Michigan State, at Purdue, at Iowa, and at Indiana. Michigan has lost five straight games but three of those five games have been competitive and that is how I see this game going. Ohio State is 2-10 ATS (1 push) in their last 13 road games. Michigan is 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a double digit loss at home in their previous game.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #676 Take South Dakota over IUPUI (3 pm) The Coyotes have enough firepower to win this game at home today. They have won three straight games and have revenge since IUPUI beat them earlier this season. Since that victory the Jaguars have been in a freefall losing five of their last six games and only one of those games has been competitive. IUPUI is 13-27 ATS in their last 40 Summit League games. South Dakota is 3-1 ATS (1 push) in their last 5 games overall.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #534 Take LSU over Florida (1 pm CBS) SEC GAME OF THE YEAR. Florida has underachieved this season and now injuries are starting to take their toll on this team. Billy Donovan is a great coach and will have this team back into the NCAA Tournament next year but today they will be without Michael Frazier and Dorian Finney-Smith. Florida has lost 4 of their last 5 games and had to hang on for dear life on Wednesday against Vanderbilt at home. LSU is another team that is hard to figure out with some great wins and has head scratching losses but they will win this game by default. The Tigers already won by 18 points in Gainesville this year and when the Tigers win game they tend to win big. The Tigers last five wins have come by 11.4 points and I also see this as a double digit victory. This is a game LSU cannot afford to lose if they want to make the NCAA Tournament and I believe they will get it in a big way. Florida is 2-10 ATS (1 push) in their last 13 games following a victory in their previous game. LSU is 8-1 ATS (1 push) in their last 10 games following a loss in their previous game. Both trends hold true today as the Tigers roar! 

4 Unit Play. #828 Take Green Bay over Cleveland State (7 pm ESPN 2) The Horizon League has come down to a three team race with the winner of the conference tournament taking it all in this one bid league. Green Bay has not lost a home game this season and I am confident they will win this game straight-up. If I think that will happens it puts us in good shape to cover the spread as well. The Phoenix could have won at Valparaiso last Friday had Keifer Sykes done anything in that game. He is the best player in the conference and he rebounded on Wednesday with a 23 point performance against Detroit, a team that just beat Cleveland State. The top two seeds in the Horizon League receive byes and thus this is a playout game and the loser will likely get the No. 3 seed and have to win three games to make the big dance. Green Bay has covered 7 of their last 10 home games. 

10 Unit Play. #562 Take Saint Mary’s over Portland (11 pm) The Gales always seem to play second fiddle to the Bulldogs in the WCC but they usually earn double digits victories in the WCC and win close to all of their home game. Saint Mary’s already beat Portland by double digits this season in Oregon and I expect history to repeat itself on Thursday. The Pilots have been playing better basketball of late but they finish with BYU and Saint Mary’s (two of the top three teams) and I see them losing both of these games. Saint Mary’s has covered the spread in 11 of their last 14 games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

2 Unit Play. #558 Take Long Beach State over UC Davis (10 pm ESPN 3) Hard to figure this big of a spread when looking at the records of these teams but that is the hand we have been dealt. Do not want to be laying this many points but I have had this game circled for quite some time. UC Davis beat Long Beach State in overtime in the first meetings and there were a couple of bad whistles that went against the 49ers in that game. Coach Monson has not forgotten that and you can expect he will have his team ready for action on Thursday night. I see the Aggies losing three of their remaining games down the stretch and it starts tonight in Southern California. Long Beach State is 17-6 ATS (3 pushes) in their last 26 home games against teams with a winning road record. 

2 Unit Play. #734 Take Western Michigan over Ohio (7 pm) The Bobcats tend to win close games but get blown out when they lose. Expect that trend to hold true tonight as I do not see them going into Mount Pleasant and winning and thus I will lay the wood as well. Out of Ohio’s 14 losses only three have been below tonight’s posted number. The Broncos have struggle of late but they still have enough firepower to win this game by double digits. Ohio is 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games against team with a winning record. Western Michigan is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage below .400. 

2 Unit Play. #712 Take St. Bonaventure over Richmond (7 pm) Both of these teams have wins over VCU this season but I just believe the Bonnies are the better offensive team in this match-up. Throw in the fact that they are playing at home and it warrants a selection from us. Richmond crushed St. Bonaventure in the first meeting but the Spiders have lost two straight road games to bad teams in LaSalle and George Mason. Richmond is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS loss in their previous game. 

2 Unit Play. #701 Take Wisconsin over Penn State (7 pm BTN) We used the Badgers at Nebraska and they won by double digits and expect a similar performance tonight in State College, PA. The Big 10 is just not any good this season outside of Wisconsin and Penn State has bad karma at the moment. The school was fined and Coach Pat Chambers was reprimanded for criticizing officials and that eventually catches up with you as officials hold grudges. Wisconsin is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. Penn State is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games against teams with a winning road record. 

6 Unit Play. #888 Take Indiana over Minnesota (7:30 pm BTN) Besides Wisconsin no Big 10 team is very good and I believe playing on the road for a second straight game will eventually catch up with the Gophers. Minnesota did not play great on offense against Iowa on Thursday but were able to take full advantage of a lack luster performance by Iowa. Indiana is coming off a tough game against Maryland and it is important for them to right the ship on Sunday in order to stay close to the top of the standing. Minnesota is 7-20 ATS (1 push) in their last 28 road games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #620 Take Gonzaga over Pepperdine (8 pm ESPN 3) WCC Game of the Year! The Waves got off to a decent start this season but injuries have caught up with them and they are a sinking ship at the moment. Pepperdine has been blown out in their last two games against a pair of middle of the road WCC teams. Gonzaga would certainly not fall into that category, as they are well on their way to running the table in the WCC and earning a No. 1 seed come March. Gonzaga will dominate this game in all facets including down in the paint. The last close game Gonzaga played was in Malibu winning by just two points but this is a much different Pepperdine team from what they saw on January 15th. Gonzaga has covered 4 of their last 5 games at the Kennel. The odds makers just have not caught up to the current level of Pepperdine. 

4 Unit Play. #536 Take George Washington over VCU (2 pm ESPN 2) The Rams are just a mirror image of themselves and injuries have hit this team hard of late. VCU has lost three of their last four games (all three losses were against teams that will not make the NCAA Tournament) and played a double OT game in their last time out on Wednesday. George Washington still has a chance to receive an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament and a win against an overrated VCU will greatly help their cause. VCU is 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games following a loss in their previous game. 

10 Unit Play. #810 Take Valparaiso over Green Bay (7 pm ESPN 2) It is rare for us to have a college basketball selection on Friday but this one is too good to pass up. These are the two best teams in the Horizon League this season and one must remember that the winner of the league advances to the semi-finals of the conference tournament and also hosts the conference tournament. Since both teams are 9-2 in the league (as well as Cleveland State), this is a must win game for both. Valpo has been waiting for this rematch ever since January 21st when they lost at Green Bay by 1 point. Valpo had numerous chances to win that game but could not come through in the clutch. Neither team has a chance for an at large bid into the NCAA Tournament and Valpo will win this game at home. Green Bay is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. Valpo is 19-8 ATS (1 push) in their last 28 games played on Friday. 

10 Unit Play. #505 Take Minnesota over Iowa (7 pm BTN) BIG TEN GAME OF THE YEAR. We are granted a reprieve from our Big 10 GOY in football last season and now have the right side in this basketball rematch. Iowa is coming off two impressive victories against Michigan and Maryland and I just do not believe they will be able to follow that up with a third straight victory tonight in Iowa City against Minnesota. Iowa has never handled prosperity well under Fran McCaffrey and just when things appear to be going great they usually lay an egg in their next couple of games. That will happen tonight against Minnesota, a team that is just as talented as Iowa is. Playing in Iowa City has not been an advantage for the Hawkeyes this season, as they have already lost by double digits three times this season. Minnesota has a brutal start to the Big 10 season but they have righted the ship of late winning two straight games and they have the guards that can exploit a weak Mike Gesell. This game was a barnburner when these two teams met earlier this season in Minneapolis and that is how I see this game going as well. Iowa won the game by two points on a shot by Jerrod Uthoff. That was despite Iowa shooting 52% from the field and 50% from the three point line. I just do not believe Iowa can shot that well again on Thursday and thus they game will go down to the wire. The location does not even matter when these two teams met, it is going to be close. Iowa is 5-12 ATS in their last 17 home games. Minnesota is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games played on Thursday. Iowa should have easily made the NCAA Tournament last year but they could not close out games and thus fell to the first four and that is how I see their finish going in 2015 as well.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #730 Take St. Bonaventure over Massachusetts (7 pm) The Bonnies are coming off back to back impressive wins against Davidson and VCU and some many feel they are due for a letdown tonight against UMASS. I am not one of those people and feel the Bonnies are the more talented team in this affair and should be able to win this game by double digits at the Reilly Center. UMASS is 7-3 in the Atlantic 10 but they have played a very weak conference schedule and have not faced George Washington or VCU yet. Throw in the fact that St. Bonaventure already beat UMASS by 14 points in Amherst and this selection almost appears too good to be true. UMASS has been playing better of late but again one must consider the competition. St. Bonaventure is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. 

10 Unit Play. #551 Take Wisconsin over Nebraska (9 pm ESPN) Nebraska is just not very good this season and Wisconsin is ready to atone for their loss in Lincoln last season. That loss got Nebraska into the NCAA Tournament but they will not sniff an at-large big this season and their only chance is to win the Big 10 Conference Tournament next March. Nebraska has lost three of their last four games and I truly believe they were a one hit wonder last season catching lighting in a bottle. This team just cannot score enough points to keep up with Wisconsin at the moment. The Big 10 is just not any good this season outside of Wisconsin and the Badgers are not going to lose a game in the Big 10 the rest of this season. Wisconsin has already won at Michigan, at Iowa, at Marquette, and at California and Nebraska is very similar to those teams. Nebraska is 4-12 ATS (1 push) in their last 17 games against teams with a winning record. 

4 Unit Play. #655 Take Bowling Green over Northern Illinois (8 pm) This is a rematch from last Saturday when the Falcons won by double digits. If Bowling Green can win at Central Michigan they can also win at DeKalb. Northern Illinois is traditionally won of the worst teams in the MAC and things are not much better this season. Bowling Green is 12-3 ATS (3 pushes) in their last 18 games. Northern Illinois is 2-6 ATS (2 pushes) in their last 10 games against teams with a  winning record. 

4 Unit Play. #664 Take Tulsa over SMU (8 pm ESPNU) Frank Haith could teach a course at Tulsa on when to jump ship and exactly the right moment. He got the hell out of Missouri to take a job at Tulsa and many people questioned what the hell he was thinking. But he now looks like a genius as Missouri is a sinking ship and Tulsa leads the American Athletic Conference at 10-0. They now host an overrated SMU team coming off an embarrassing loss to Cincinnati and I do not see things getting any better for them tonight in Tulsa. The Golden Hurricanes are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 home games. The Mustangs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a loss in their previous game. 

10 Unit Play. #594 Take Arizona State over Arizona (4:30 pm Fox) Arizona is just not an offensive juggernaut and much like we did fading San Diego State on Wednesday, we will take the points on Saturday afternoon with the home team. This game is pretty much all Arizona State has left to play for this season and expect an all-out effort in order to keep this game close and earn the victory. Herb Sendek also elevates his coaching for this game as he is 8-10 against Arizona (ASU was 1-22 against Arizona before he arrived) and has won 4 of the last 7 games in Tempe. Arizona has had a much better team in all of these 18 matches expect for one time and the Wildcats have a little mental hurdle playing in Tempe. Arizona State will be playing at home for the third straight game and they are well rested as they have not played a game since last Friday, January 30th, 2015. Arizona State is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games against teams with a winning road record. 

4 Unit Play. #539 Take Kansas over Oklahoma State (2 pm ESPN) Most of this play comes down to Bill Self > Travis Ford. The Jayhawks were written off this season for the Big 12 Championship but yet have a commanding lead atop the standing in early February. Kansas has already won at Texas, at Georgetown, and at Baylor and they can take down the Pokes today. Ok State is coming off an OT game on Wednesday and I just feel Travis Ford will screw this game up someway somehow. 

10 Unit Play. #566 Take California over USC (11 pm FS1) Cal appears to have righted the ship with a pair of victories against the Washington schools last week and they should be able to knock out the worst team in the PAC-12 at home on Thursday. USC is in year two of a major rebuilding project and I just do not believe Andy Enfield is up to the challenge. He caught lighting in a bottle for a couple of weeks at Florida Gulf Coast and along with his hot wife parlayed that into a big time job at USC. Cal also have revenge in this game as USC’s only conference victory came against them one month ago. Since that victory the Trojans have lost six straight games. Jabari Bird is the best player on the court and he is starting to show some life after injuries plagued him for much of the season. He is scored 12 points in back to back games and expect another big effort from him tonight. 

10 Unit Play. #798 Take Nevada over San Diego State (10 pm ESPN 3) The Aztecs have righted the ship and are clearly the team to beat in the MWC but that says more about how bad the league is this season than how good SDSU is. Nevada is terrible but we will grab the double digits with them playing at Lawlor Events Center. San Diego State still is not an offensive juggernaut and this they have trouble scoring 70 points per game. Nevada hangs around for 40 minutes losing by 6-8 points. 

10 Unit Play. #545 Take Boise State over Utah State (9:45 pm CBSSN) Since joining the MWC the Smith Spectrum does not provide the same type of home court edge as it did in the WAC. Utah State is a bottom feeder team in the MWC and this will be the last season of longtime Coach Stew Morrill. The Broncos did not perform well during the nonconference portion of the season but they have turned it around of late winning five straight games including a win at New Mexico. The Broncos have figured out how to play without Anthony Drmic and they could make a run to the stop of the standing in the MWC. The Aggies lost most of their talent from last season. They have shown signs this year but they are young and not ready to play with a veteran Boise State team. Boise State is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games. Utah State is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games against teams with a winning road record. 

4 Unit Play. #696 Take UC Davis over Cal Poly (10 pm) We will again attack this low number with UC Davis at home as the Aggies continue to be undervalued with the odds makers. Davis has won 6 of their last 7 games and they have beaten better teams than what they will face tonight with the Mustangs. This is the second straight road game for Cal Poly and they lost by double figures on Thursday against UC Irvine. Now they face the best shooting team in the Big West and I look for another strong showing from Jim Less and son. Cal Poly is 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games played on Saturday. UC Davis has covered 6 straight home games. 

10 Unit Play. #625 Take Purdue over Northwestern (6 pm ESPN U) the Matt Painter Magic has long disappeared but Northwestern should not be favored over anybody in the Big 10 this season. Purdue has great length and they also have some good wins on the season. They are coming off two straight wins over ranked teams and they have more than enough to beat Northwestern in Chicago. The Wildcats are in year two of a major rebuilding project and Coach Collins just does not have the bullets to win consistently in Big 10 play. Northwestern won their opening Big 10 games but they have lost six straight since that win at Rutgers including some tough luck losses in their last two games against Maryland and Ohio State. These close losses eventually take its toll of a team and I expect Northwestern to start getting blown out in more games. Purdue has laid an egg often times the last couple of years but this is a make our break year for their coach and I expect them to finish the season out strong. Purdue has the better player at 4 of the 5 positions on the court and they will take care of business tonight in Evanston. Purdue has covered 7 of their last 9 Big 10 games. 

4 Unit Play. #554 Take UC Davis over UC Santa Barbara (10 pm) In my opinion the Aggies are the best team in the Big West and expect them to get back on track after a loss to Hawaii last Thursday night. They have had a week to recover from the long flight and this is a tough team to beat at home. UC Davis has won 5 out of their last 6 games and the Gauchos have not done well against top teams this season. UCSB is shooting just over 43% from the field (207th in the country) and that will not get the job done especially on the road. The Aggies have covered 5 straight home games. Jim Les and son earn the victory on Thursday in in Davis.  

10 Unit Play. #730 Take Marquette over Seton Hall (7 pm FS 1) It just does not matter who is coaching Marquette, they are always a feisty bunch and I believe they can outwork Seton Hall to a victory on Wednesday. The Pirates are a sinking ship at the moment with three straight losses and they have been devastated by the injury of Isaiah Whitehead. Marquette has just two Big East victories this season but both of them came at home against Creighton and Providence and Seton Hall is a similar team to both of those. Marquette has a big man inside in Luke Fisher and he should be able to hold his own on both ends of the court. Marquette is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. 

4 Unit Play. #526 Take Eastern Michigan over Ohio (7 pm) We will fade Ohio again on Tuesday after a fluke victory for them on Saturday dooming us with our top play. Buffalo was in control against Ohio before a late run did them in topped off by the Bobcats scoring with a full court play with just three second left. But that was in Athens and this game is on the road and expect a completely different result with Eastern Michigan winning this game by double digits. EMU is nothing to right home about but they have played a brutal schedule of late with 4 of their last 5 games on the road. The fact remains this is a better team than a rebuilding Bobcat squad and EMU has lost just one game at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center this season. Ohio does not do well against good teams going 17-35 ATS in their last 52 games against teams with a winning record. 

10 Unit Play. #538 Take Georgia over Vanderbilt (7 pm SEC Network) Vanderbilt is still not ready to challenge top teams in the SEC on the road. They have been in a major rebuild the last couple of years and they are just 1-5 this season in SEC play. Georgia is an NCAA Tournament team in my mind and they are not always pretty but they have been very solid this season currently with a 4-2 record in conference play. The Dawgs have won four straight games including beating this Vanderbilt team in Nashville on January 14th. Vanderbilt has hung tough with some top teams in the conference but nonetheless they have lost five straight games and losing will eventually take its toll on this team and I would expect them to lose by double digits this evening. Vanderbilt is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. Georgia is 27-11 ATS (1 push) in their last 38 SEC games. 

Ohio has overachieved for so long that odds makers are giving them too much respect this season. They have another new coaching staff and the talent level has dropped off quite a bit in 2014-2015. They did beat Ball State last time out by they have lost four of their last five games and really have not been competitive in those four losses. Buffalo is a player this season in the MAC and they have much more talent than they Bobcats this season. They have the two best players on the court and you can be sure Bobby Hurley does not want to lose two conference games in a row. The Bulls have already won five true road games this season and Ohio does not have the home court that will scare them. Finally the two trends that will allow this game to cash are: Buffalo is 25-10 ATS in their last 35 games. Ohio is 5-21 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS win in their previous game.

5 Unit Play. #584 Take California over Arizona State (11 pm PAC-12 Network) The Golden Bears are in desperate need of a victory at the moment as they are just 1-4 in conference play and Arizona State is just what the doctor ordered to get well. Both teams sit at the bottom of the PAC-12 but I like the players Cal has much better than I do Arizona State. The Sun Devils are 3-9 ATS (1 push) in their last 13 road games. Cal has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games played on Thursday.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #774 Take Tulane over SMU (9 pm CBSSN) SMU is having a ton of issues at the moment and they are not a good enough team to be laying this many points in the Bayou. This is the third road games for the Mustangs in their last 4 conference games and that will catch up with them in this affair. I expect a game to be played in the sixties tonight and getting around a touchdown in too good to pass up. SMU is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #526 Take Nebraska over Minnesota (8:30 pm BTN) Minnesota and Nebraska are two of the most underachieving teams in the league this season. Minnesota finally won a game on Saturday but it took a herculean effort by Andre Hollins who scored 31 points and they still struggled to put away Rutgers at the Barn. Nebraska has won two straight conference home games and expect them to make it three in a row tonight in Lincoln. Nebraska has won two straight games in this series including last year by four points against a much better Minnesota team. Nebraska is 18-7 ATS (1 push) in their last 26 Big 10 games. Minnesota is 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Big 10 games. 

4 Unit Play. #730 Take Duke over Pittsburgh (7 pm ESPN) I expect Duke to continue their momentum after their victory on Saturday in Louisville. Pittsburgh is not any good this season and we went against them on Saturday and will continue that trend on Monday. Pittsburgh made just two three pointers in that game and that will not get the job done in Durham. The Panthers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games. Lay the wood with the Blue Devils on Big Monday. 

4 Unit Play. #818 Take New Mexico -5 over Boise State (6 pm CBSSN) I really do not believe New Mexico has much talent as they lost three starters from last year but they are playing well at the moment and Boise State is a sinking ship. The Leon Rice magic has faded in Boise as he was a hot commodity two years ago but now may be lucky to keep his job. New Mexico is always a tough out at home and we will lay the small change with them on Sunday.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #616 Take Florida Atlantic over Marshall (5:30 pm) Still very bitter as to how we lost that game on Thursday fading Marshall. But in a way that just sets up a stronger play today with FAU as the line is short. Marshall covered the spread despite shooting 31% from the field and 37.5% from the free throw line. They were saved by the three point shot but that will not bail them out on Saturday against the Owls. FAU took WKU to the wire on Thursday as well and they will not look past the Thundering Herd as they have yet to record a conference win on the season. Marshall is 8-20 ATS (1 push) in their last 29 games played on Saturday. 

10 Unit Play. #579 Take Georgia Tech over Pittsburgh (4 pm ESPN 3) The Panthers have played a very easy conference schedule this season and they have been blown out by NC State and Clemson. This team is not any good and the Jamie Dixon magic has worn off. The Yellow Jackets have trouble scoring points but they are solid on the defensive end of the floor and that will allow them to win this game on Saturday, their first conference win of the season. Georgia Tech has not been blown out in any ACC game this season and they took Notre Dame to the wire twice as well as Syracuse. This is a make or break season for Brian Gregory and his team still plays hard and I believe they will win this game straight-up. Out of their seven losses, only one game has been a blowout and this game could very well be played in the fifties this afternoon. Finally the key stats that will allow us to grab the money in this game. Pittsburgh is 8-20 ATS in their last 28 home games. Georgia Tech is 10-3 ATS in their 13 road games. Getting points is just icing on the cake, as we have the hungrier team in this affair.  

4 Unit Play. #526 Take Florida International over Marshall (7:30 pm) Hard to have much faith in the Thundering Herd as they got blown out by Nevada, the same team that lost by 56 points last night. Marshall shoots a lot of three point shots and not many of those shots have gone in this season. FIU is a strong defensive team as they are giving up just 62.2 points per game and also have the best player on the floor in Senior Dennis Mavin. Marshall is 12-25 ATS in their last 37 road games. FIU is 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home games Both of these trends hold up to night with the home team winning by double digits. 

4 Unit Play. #806 Take Wyoming over San Diego State (11 pm ESPN 2) I believe Wyoming is the best team in the MWC this season so we are certainly going to take them at home with this low number. San Diego State is still a name brand but they are just not good on offense and will struggle in most of their conference road games this season. If when San Diego State was good they still had trouble winning at Wyoming and tonight will be no different. The Cowboys have the two best offensive players on the floor tonight and this team has not lost a game in over a month. Three of the Aztecs four losses have been true road games and I believe Wyoming is a better team than Cincinnati, Fresno State, and Washington. SDSU is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall. Wyoming is 10-4 ATS (1 push) in their last 15 games following an ATS win in their previous outing. 

4 Unit Play. #786 Take Marquette over Creighton (9 pm CBSSN) Creighton is not any good this season and they are likely the worst team in the Big East this season. Marquette is always a tough out at home and they have been holding in games on the road. The Bluejays have lost five straight games including to teams like DePaul and North Texas and life with Doug McDermott is too much for these role players to overcome. Creighton is 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Marquette has covered 7 of their last 8 home games. 

4 Unit Play. #731 Take Notre Dame over Georgia Tech (7 pm ESPN 3) The Irish are just a much better than are the Yellow Jackets. Notre Dame had Virginia on the ropes but did not finish down the stretch and expect them to come back hungry to make a statement on Wednesday. These two teams already met this season going into double OT but that was the start of the three games losing streak for Georgia Tech. For Notre Dame to be an elite team this season this is a road game they must win and I expect it to come by double digits. Georgia Tech is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss. 

10 Unit Play. #530 Take Indiana over Penn State (7 pm BTN) Indiana has a lot of flaws but they are still a good offensive team and if Yogi Ferrell could find his form in this game they will win big. Penn State played a fraudulent schedule to open the season and once Big 10 play opened up they feel to the bottom of the standing where they belong. Indiana is a much better team at Assembly Hall and Penn State has issues scoring points on the road. This is a must win game if Indiana has visions of making the NCAA Tournament this season and I expect them to dominate from start to finish and win it by 12-15 points. Penn State is 4-14 ATS in their last 18 games overall. Indiana has covered the spread in five straight home games. 

4 Unit Play. #816 Take Michigan State -14 over Northwestern (12 pm BTN) The Spartans are playing the best basketball of the season blowing out their last two opponents and they should have no problem taking down an undermanned Northwestern team on Sunday. The Wildcats have not played since last Sunday when they got blown out at home against Wisconsin and when they lose they tend to lose big (double digits). Michigan State leads the all-time series with Northwestern, 85-38, and the Spartans have won the last four meetings, and eight of the last nine overall. Tom Izzo and company have already lost five times this season and cannot afford any more hiccups against bad teams.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #616 Take Wyoming over Boise State (6 pm CBSSN) We went against Wyoming in their last game on the road in the border battle and were off the mark. They showed me something in that game and should be able to take out Boise State at home, a place where they traditionally dominate. The Broncos are without Anthony Drmic their second leading scorer and rebounder. Boise State enters this game off of three straight losses and things are going downhill in a hurry for this team. When Larry Nance Jr plays, Wyoming wins game. Boise State is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games played on Saturday.  

4 Unit Play. #583 Take DePaul over Villanova (4 pm CBSSN) When you look at the Big East standing you see DePaul at the top. Yes that same DePaul team that has done nothing with Oliver Purnell as their head coach. But they got rid of a few knuckle heads that were in the program the last 4 years and I think they have a chance to make some noise in the Big East this season. Villanova is the better team but they are not a great shooting team from behind the arc and I just do not see them blowing out any team in the Big East by 20+ points. 

4 Unit Play. #566 Take Detroit over Oakland (3 pm ESPN 3) This battle of Michigan will go the way of the Titans. Detroit is coming off 5 days of rest after they pounded Milwaukee at home to move to 1-1 in Horizon League play. They also have far and away the best player on the court in Juwan Howard Jr. Detroit lost twice to Oakland last season so I believe that they will get their revenge in this game. Detroit is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games against teams with a losing road record. 

4 Unit Play. #542 Take UAB over Florida Atlantic (8 pm) It is a new season for the Blazers and they are 1-0 in conference play after beating Middle Tennessee over the weekend. UAB has played an extremely difficult schedule during the nonconference portion of the season including facing Wisconsin, LSU, UCLA, Florida, and North Carolina. FAU has not played anything close to that tough of a schedule and thus I expect the Blazers to be able to take care of business in Birmingham tonight. FAU has not covered the pointspread in 8 straight Conference USA games. 

4 Unit Play. #521 Take LSU over Missouri (7 pm ESPN) It is always tough to play on the road in conference play but the talent edge greatly favors LSU in this game. Missouri is in a complete rebuild this season under former player Kim Anderson. The Tigers are just 6-7 on the season and they have not beaten anybody of significance for their six victories. LSU is the second best team in the SEC and they have won eight straight games including at West Virginia. 

4 Unit Play. #792 Take UNLV over Nevada (11 pm CBSSN) The Rebels lost to the Wolf Pack twice last season and thus you can be sure they will not take this in-state battle lightly. Vegas has been playing outstanding basketball of late including an upset victory of Kansas and Nevada has yet to win on the road this season. UNLV leads the series by a 56-21 margin and despite losing both games last year they have won 8 of the last 10 meetings.

4 Unit Play. #774 Take Creighton over DePaul (7 pm CBSSN) One might be surprised to see that DePaul is 2-0 in the Big East and Creighton is 0-2. Too me that just says Creighton needs a victory and expect it to come by double digits tonight in Omaha. The Bluejays are a much different team at home already having beat Oklahoma and we all know who dominating Big East teams are when playing at home. DePaul has won two home games in the Big East but they lost six straight before that and when they lose it usually comes by double digits. 

4 Unit Play. #781 Take Maryland over Illinois (9 pm BTN) Life without Rayvonte Rice begins tonight for Illinois and I just do not see them being able to overcome this loss. Maryland is the second best team in the Big 10 and they already won at Michigan State so they are not afraid of playing at Assembly Hall. Maryland has great balance of size and strength and upperclassman and new players that are contributing. 

4 Unit Play. #766 Take Colorado State -5 over Wyoming (9 pm Root Sports)

4 Unit Play. #754 Take Xavier over Seton Hall (7 pm CBSSN) The home teams have dominated conference play in the Big East thus far and we will go to that well once again on Wednesday. We got burned last night with Georgetown winning but not covering the spread but I do not see that happening tonight. The Hall is without standout freshman Isaiah Whitehead and that will eventually take its toll on this team. You seldom see and unranked team favored over a ranked team by this many points but that is a sign of how this game will go. 

10 Unit Play. #532 Take Minnesota over Ohio State (9 pm ESPN) The last big play we used was fading Ohio State and we will go to the well once again on Tuesday night. We used North Carolina in a neutral site win over Ohio State and they controlled the game from start of to finish and that is how I see this game going as well. We saw last night that North Carolina is not powerhouse with already two home losses on the season. Ohio State is a fraud and played one of the weakest nonconference home heavy schedules in the country. In their two step out games they were dominated by Louisville and North Carolina although the final score may not have indicated that, but trust me they were. They did pull away from Illinois in their last game but that was at home and one of my colleagues said he would go huge in there would have been a rematch in Champaign aginast Illinois. Minnesota is very similar to Illinois and I expect this young Buckeye team to struggle for 40 minutes at the Barn tonight. This is an important game for the Gophers to right the ship and keep their hopes on an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament alive come March. They have the size to match-up with Amir Williams and I believe Andre Hollins in due for a breakout game. Ohio State is 0-5 ATS (1 push) in their last 6 road games. Minnesota is 12-3 ATS (2 pushes) in their last 17 games played on Tuesday. Finally an unranked team that is favored over a ranked team is always a good sign!

4 Unit Play. #514 Take Georgetown over Marquette (7 pm FS1) We used Georgetown over the weekend against a very similar team in Creighton to Marquette and will go with the same philosophy again on Tuesday. Marquette is still learning a new system and they already lost to DePaul on the road this season. In fact I believe Marquette will struggle to win any road games this season. The Golden Eagles won both games with the Hoyas last season and thus you can be sure the team from the district will not be taking them lights. The home teams have dominated league play thus far and in fact no Big East home team has lost a conference game this season. That trend continues on Tuesday with a double digit victory from the visitor. 

10 Unit Play. #736 Take Northeastern over UNC Wilmington (7 pm) The Huskies have a veteran team and they are ready for some home cooking as they have not played in Boston in over a month. They are a perfect 3-0 at home this season and they are playing a team that has gotten blown out four straight games. Northeastern has covered the spread in 4 straight games. Scott Eatherton and company pull away late and win this game by 20 points. 

10 Unit Play. #855 Take Wisconsin over Northwestern (8:30 pm BTN) Wisconsin seems to play Northwestern better in Evanston than they do in Madison. Wisconsin has won 12 of the 14 match-ups and that included a 76-49 victory in Chicago last season. Northwestern would go on to be Wisconsin in Madison and that will just provide motivation for this game. The Wildcats do not have a quality victory from their 10 wins this season and Wisconsin is just not a good match-up for them. Wisconsin has a better play at every position on the court and they are going to light it up from the field in this game. Wisconsin has covered 7 of their last 10 road games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #586 Take Georgetown over Creighton (4:30 pm FS1) Georgetown is good and will be able to make the NCAA Tournament this season. Creighton is in a complete rebuild and this is their second straight road game to open up Big East play. The Bluejays will be a tough out in Omaha but they will struggle to stay competitive on the road and this is a game Georgetown needs after losing to Xavier on Wednesday. Creighton is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games. Georgetown is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games. 

4 Unit Play. #831 Take Valparaiso over Oakland (7 pm ESPN 3) Playing on the road in conference play is always tough but the talent greatly favors Valpo in this contest. The Crusaders have lost just one time since November 17th and are playing at team that has lost five straight games. The Golden Grizzles have lost three home games already and this is not the same team as some of their past success stories. The Horizon League will come down to a battle between Valpo and Green Bay and neither team can afford to drop road games to bottom feeder teams. Oakland is 2-9 ATS (2 pushes) in their last 13 home games. Valpo is 3-0 ATS (1 push) in their last 4 road games.  

4 Unit Play. #744 Take Kansas State over Georgia (4 pm ESPN U) The Wildcats are pissed off after they blew a late 4 point lead to Texas Southern. Prior to this debacle Kansas State had won three straight games including a game against Texas A & M in Kansas City. The Bulldogs have played a home heavy schedule and we are now seeing that wins against Colorado and Seton Hall are not that impressive. Kansas State is 14-5 ATS in their last 19 home games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

10 Unit Play. #542 Take Akron over Marshall (7 pm) The Thundering Herd have a new coach and a new system this season and they are a terrible defensive team. That has been a D’Antino tradition wherever they coach and tonight will be no different. Marshall has just two wins against Division 1 teams this season and those wins are against Jacksonville State and Savannah State. They are 0-3 in true road games including getting blown out against a terrible Nevada team in their last outing. Akron is always a tough out at home and they will once again be one of the top teams in the MAC this season. Akron is 5-0 at home this season and only one of those five victories have come under tonight’s posted number. Marshall is 8-22 ATS (1 push) in their last 31 nonconference games. Akron is 24-11 ATS (1 push) in their last 36 games played on Tuesday.  

4 Unit Play. #532 Take Michigan State over Maryland (5 pm ESPN 2) Maryland may well be the second best team in the Big 10 this season but Michigan State is still a tough road game and we will not pass up this low number. The Terrapins performed well in the nonconference portion of the season but this team has not done anything in a decade and I just do not believe they will walk into East Lansing and dominate. The Spartans got back on track in their last game and expect them to open up the Big 10 season 1-0. Michigan State is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Big 10 games. Joining a new conference requires transition and Maryland will not be ready for this game tonight against a desperate team. 

4 Unit Play. #528 Take Michigan over Illinois (3 pm ESPN 2) Michigan is not as strong as their preseason ranking would suggest but they have been given new life with the start of Big 10 play and I expect them to take advantage and start 1-0 with a victory against Illinois at home. Michigan righted the ship with a victory in their last game and I expect the crowd to be rocking with the news that Jim Harbaugh is coming to town. Illinois struggled to put away Missouri and they do not have many quality wins this season just wins. Illinois is 1-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall. 

4 Unit Play. #824 Take Richmond over Wake Forest (4 pm NBCSN) The Demon Deacons are improved under Danny Manning but they talent is just not there yet. Richmond has been playing better of late winning 4 straight games and they are a perfect 6-0 at home this season. Richmond also have revenge on their minds as Wake Forest beat them by 10 points last season in Winston-Salem. Wake Forest is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #549 Take Southern Utah +18 over UNLV (10 pm) This selection is very simple, UNLV is coming off an emotional win this week against Arizona and they are prime for a letdown in this situation. The Rebels are not a powerhouse team this season and are very young and I do not believe they will be able to handle prosperity. 

4 Unit Play. #740 Take Dayton over Georgia Tech (8 pm CBSSN) Brian Gregory returns to Dayton tonight and I expect a rude welcome for the visitor. He has yet to accomplish much at Georgia Tech and is clearly on the hot seat and could be replaced come years end. Dayton is 5-0 at home this season and teams get excited when BCS schools come to town. Dayton beat Georgia Tech by 10 points last year in Atlanta and that is how I see this game going as well. 

4 Unit Play. #738 Take NC State over Louisiana Tech (7 pm ESPN 3) The Wolfpack need to get back on track after losing to West Virginia over the weekend but we saw firsthand last night how good of a team the Mountaineers are. NC State has beaten Tennessee, Boise State, and Richmond at home this season and they are comparable teams to Louisiana Tech. La Tech has already lost three true road games this season. 

4 Unit Play. #728 Take Hofstra over La Salle (4 pm) The Explorers are having trouble scoring points this season and that gives Fordham an opportunity to extend their home court streak to 5-0. La Salle is just 2-5 in their last 7 games and that includes a loss to American. The Pride can shot the 3 well and playing at home right before the holidays in a major advantage. 

10 Unit Play. #547 Take Marshall over Nevada (10 pm the MWC) Nevada is not any good and they should not be laying points to anybody. The Wolf Pack has lost 8 straight games including a home game to Cal State Fullerton. The Thundering Herd are not any good either but they have played a much more difficult schedule and they are a much better offensive team than is Nevada. Wolf Pack Big Man AJ West did not play in their last game against Pacific and he will not be 100% for this game and that leaves a major void in the paint. Nevada is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Marshall is 7-2 ATS (1 push) in their last 10 games following an ATS loss in their previous game. 

1 Unit Play. #735 Take San Jose State +20.5 over Washington State (7 pm PAC-12 Network) Will not even try to figure out who is playing for San Jose State and who is suspended or injured. That being said I expect them to slow the pace of this game way down and thus keep the scoring in the sixties like they did in their last game against Seattle. Washington State is in complete rebuild as well and they are not good enough to be laying this number against anybody.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. #574 Take Iowa over Northern Iowa (7:30 pm BTN) The Panthers have much more disciplined players but I am going with the more talented team on Saturday night in Des Moines. Iowa needs some more quality wins in the nonconference before Big 10 play starts. Iowa returns most of their core from last season and beat Northern Iowa by 7 points last season. Both teams have not played in over a week but Iowa needs this game more and that will be the difference on Saturday night. Iowa has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games against MVC teams. 

4 Unit Play. #570 Take Kansas State over Texas A & M (7 pm ESPN U) The Wildcats have a major edge in this game since it is being Kansas City and their aggressive style should frustrate the Aggies. Texas A & M has played a pretty weak schedule this season and that will come back to bite them in this game. The Wildcats have gotten back on track and will make it three in a row tonight. Since leaving the Big 12 Texas A & M is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games against Big 12 teams. Kansas State is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 nonconference games. 

4 Unit Play. #560 Take Notre Dame over Purdue (5:15 pm BTN) I just trust Notre Dame more than Purdue. The Boilermakers have underachieved the last couple of years and they already have some head scratching losses this season. Purdue lost to North Florida, Kansas State, and Vanderbilt and the magic Matt Painter had earlier in his career has faded. The Irish had played a tough nonconference schedule and they have been blowing people out of late. Purdue is 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games played on Saturday. Notre Dame is 4-1 ATS in their last games against Big 10 teams. 

10 Unit Play. #526 Take North Carolina over Ohio State (1 pm CBS) This is an important game for both teams but I feel the veteran and experience of North Carolina will pay dividends in the second half. Ohio State has been blowing people at home but their competition has been ridiculously bad. Not one of their nine victories have come against teams that will make the NCAA Tournament this season. This is the type of schedule you create when you have a young team and this is exactly the case with Ohio State. Ohio State did not perform well against Louisville and I do not see them being able to stay with a veteran team like the Tar Heels. North Carolina already has three losses but they have played a much more difficult schedule thus far. This is not a great shooting team but they really get after it on the boards averaging 44.3 rebounds per game (4th in the country). Carolina has been playing better of late with blowouts in two of their last three games and a respectable showing at Kentucky (14 point loss), the No. 1 team in the country. Carolina is doing this despite poor shooting from Marcus Paige, their best player. He is due for a breakout game and expect it to occur today in the Windy City. North Carolina leads the series 10-2 and have won five straight since losing 80-73 in a 1992 NCAA regional semifinal. Ohio State is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games. Ohio State and their cupcake schedule gets exposed today. 

4 Unit Play. #843 Take Colorado State over Denver (9 pm) We have been fading Denver all season long and we are getting great value with the undefeated Rams tonight in this in-state battle. Denver does not have the dominating home court edge that they have had in past years under Joe Scott. The Rams may be without Daniel Bejarano for this game but it will not matter. This team is motivated as they were picked to finish in fifth place in the MWC this season but I believe they have the most talent in the conference. The Rams also have revenge on their minds as they suffered a 10 points loss to Denver last season in Fort Collins. Despite scoring 83 points on Wednesday, Denver is averaging just 61.9 points per game and that will not get it done against a team like Colorado State. Denver is 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games following a victory in their previous outing.

5 Unit Play. #526 Take Pacific over Nevada (10 pm) The Wolf Pack are terrible and anytime we can get this low of a number when they are on the road we are going to pounce on it. Nevada has lost 7 straight games including being blown out by Nebraska Omaha, Cal State Fullerton, and Long Beach State. The Tigers have won three out of their last 4 games and I fully expect them to pull away in the second half and win this game by double digits. Nevada just cannot score points averaging 58 points per game, good for 327th in the country. Nevada has not covered the spread in any of their 7 straight losses. Pacific is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against MWC teams. 

10 Unit Play. #745 Take Northeastern over Cal Poly (10 pm) This game is in Santa Clara and not on the Mustangs home floor and thus I expect the Huskies to be able to take care of business tonight. This is a brutal road trip for Northeastern and this is their best chance to win one of these three games in California. The Mustangs have some terrible losses this season against Nevada and Fresno State and that just will not get the job done. Northeastern returns a solid core from last season and expect them to pull away late and win this game by double digits. Cal Poly is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a victory in their previous game.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports. 

4 Unit Play. #515 Take College of Charleston over Charlotte (8 pm) We will grab the points in this battle of southern teams tonight at Halton Arena. Both teams have played challenging nonconference schedules and thus their records hoover around the .500 mark. The Cougars won the most recent meeting last season at home by a score of 83-82. This game will go down to the wire and we will collect with whoever comes out on top.