Surviving in March Madness is one of the biggest value indicators for me moving forward in the tournament. The Maryland Terrapins won on a buzzer beater over Colorado State, and I believe play better today against Florida as a result. All the noise surrounding their Coach Kevin Willard will not be a distraction. Grab the Terrapins to hang with Florida today plus the points.

Postseason college basketball tournaments are used for team development but also a pride element for a team that let an opportunity slip in their conference tournament. Cleveland State played a sloppy game against Youngstown State from an offensive stand point, and could not convert in the final minutes. The CBI has been motivation for them, and I expect the Vikings to continue to showcase elevated basketball against an Atlantic Sun opponent. Lay the number with Cleveland State.

The Iowa State Cyclones get an advantage today over Ole Miss over the simple fact of the ease of their first round matchup. They cruised in a twenty seven point win over Lipscomb. The victory is a confidence boost for the Cyclones that know they can play without Keshon Gilbert. On the other side Ole Miss had a battle to get by North Carolina, which can hurt a team in the round of 32. Look for the Cyclones to impress once again on a reduced favored number. Lay it with Iowa State.

The BYU Cougars weapons are strong suited for a tournament format on the front end. In a forty eight hour turn around though I favor Wisconsin. For one BYU may be a tad bit over valued based on having just one loss since early February. Wisconsin’s elevated guard play and depth will pose problems for BYU, even in the elevation of Denver. Take Wisconsin on the moneyline.

Tournament play even with a win can expose a teams flaws. Xavier had the pride to fight back against Texas, but they will not get the door left open as the Longhorns did today. The Illini are well coached under Brad Underwood and have advanced beyond round one four out of the last five years. Take the Illini here.

The New Mexico Lobos are a team that initially I believe could be a viable threat as a ten seed. The more I broke down their matchup and I have swayed to the Marquette side. The Golden Eagles have the pride of playing one last tournament with their senior class led by Kam Jones, and can refocus after losing three of four games down the stretch of the season. New Mexico one weakness is they do not counter runs well from the opponent. Expect the third wave of a run to be the dagger against the Lobos.

The Mountain West has continued their annual tradition of disappointing in March Madness with San Diego State and Utah State being blown out. Colorado State will have a chance to give a bit of relief for the conference today against Memphis. They’ve won ten straight games and can beat Memphis at their own game, led by fifth year senior Nique Clifford. Lay the short number with Colorado State.

The dominance of the SEC got fourteen teams in. With that comes the difficulty of seeding. Texas A&M has been one of the SEC teams that has a high ceiling but does not live up to their potential on the court. Look for Yale as the more overall sound team to hang around, and represent the IVY league properly. Grab the points here with the Bulldogs.

NIT action continues as SMU takes on Northern Iowa. The Mustangs with a bit more stronger resume would have been a tournament team. Look for SMU to use the NIT as what it is meant for, and come out angry after losing in close fashion in the ACC tournament to Clemson. Northern Iowa is also a team that lost three of their final four games, and has had a layoff of eleven days. Lay it here with SMU.

At times this season Loyola Chicago has looked like the best team in the Atlantic 10. Yet, oddsmakers have ignored a clear rest advantage in today’s matchup against Saint Louis. The Ramblers will be stepping on the court for the first time in six days, while the Billikens played yesterday. That has to do with Saint Louis controlling both matchups this year against Loyola Chicago. They defeated them by 31 points on March 1st, and had Loyola on the ropes in the first matchup late before folding in the final minutes. Take the Billikens who probably are the most confident against Loyola then any other A-10 team.

A neutral site spread that seems steep is Boise State against San Diego State. On assumption this spread would figure to be closer to a pick based on their seasons, and the fact San Diego State blew out Boise 64-47. Since the Broncos made lineup changes and won five of their final six games. Look for those lineup changes to spark Boise State as they revenge their loss to the Aztecs.

Teams on poor streaks going into conference tournaments often have new life. For South Florida they have lost seven of eight games. They’ll face a Wichita State team they played well during their two matchups, a 19 point victory and close five point loss. The Shockers may have had the big upset win over Memphis, but were susceptible just 8-10 in conference. Grab the points here with South Florida.

The SEC tournament will once again be hosted in Nashville, which is the city of Vanderbilt’s campus. While the Commodores may have a fan edge against Texas, they may have peaked with a three game winning streak over ranked teams in Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri. They concluded the season with back to back losses where they have struggled defensively. Grab Texas to avenge their earlier loss to Vanderbilt and cover the small number. 

The Horizon League championship will take place tonight against Youngstown State and Robert Morris. Both teams had to come from behind in tough victories in their semi-finals matchups yesterday. Look for the Colonials to finish off a tremendous run where they have won 15 of 16 games. A lower spread here based on Youngstown State defeating Robert Morris by 14 points and losing by just two in the second matchup. Different outcome tonight, lay it with Robert Morris.

Of the remaining four teams in the Southern Conference bracket, it’s clear which team does not belong. VMI has a 15-18 record and finished below .500 in conference play. They will take on a Wofford team that clicked on all cylinders in yesterday’s win over East Tennessee State. The Terriers also defeated Wofford on February 19th 82-43, in one of the most lopsided conference losses of the entire season. Yet, they defeated Wofford in January, and I believe can hang around enough to cover a steep spread. Grab the points here.

Today out in the SWAC I’m expecting a slow start in the first half to hit Alabama State. It may come pre-half as the Hornets are coming off defeating Southern for the second time this season, who are the top team in the SWAC. Grambling State gave Alabama State a rare double digit loss early this season when they won by ten points. Closer game but same result as Grambling State gets the win.

The WCC conference tournament continues Friday with two matchups. All four of Pepperdine’s conference wins came against the bottom two teams in the league in Pacific and San Diego. They were 0-14 against everyone else, including today’s opponent in Portland. In both defeats they lost by twenty points, but did lead in last week’s matchup by four points at halftime. Look for the Waves to play a more complete game this time around, and cover the small number.

Conference tournaments are underway today throughout the country. Out in Las Vegas the WCC’s first game will be San Diego versus Pacific. The Toreros had just two conference wins the entire season but showed competitive spirit over their final five games. This resulted in ending their sixteen game losing streak in a victory over Portland to end the year. Pacific is also a good opponent for the Toreros who they split the season series against. Take the points here with San Diego.

A year after being the darlings of the NCAA tournament, the NC State Wolfpack have sunk to the bottom of the ACC. They are just 4-14 in league play and will not be apart of the ACC tournament. This gives a little extra incentive to the upperclassmen to finish out the season on a positive note. Their last two home games they have won against Wake Forest and Boston College. Look for good effort once again on their home floor as home underdogs against Pittsburgh.

Today, the Atlantic Sun conference tournament continues for a second day of action. Time and time again postseason play harkens the phrase a team will have a hard time defeating the same opponent a third time. Typically in college basketball that task would be reserved for a neutral court setting. Not in the Atlantic Sun as Jacksonville hosts an Eastern Kentucky team they defeated in both matchups. Expect the atmosphere on their home court to put a bit of pressure on the home team. Take the underdog here in Eastern Kentucky.

The Governors have two recent ugly losses against the worst teams in the Atlantic Sun, a 6-25 West Georgia team, and a 5-26 Bellarmine team. Yet, Austin Peay defeated North Florida by eight points in the first matchup, and a big factor for me is today’s arena. North Florida which ranks tops in college basketball in three pointers made per game, shot poorly from beyond the arc at Flowers arena in the regular season (8 for 33). Take Austin Peay as the line move went the wrong way here.

Illinois has dropped out of the Top 25, and now surprisingly has double digit losses with eleven overall. Often times in any sport once a great streak ends, the momentum fades for a mini stretch for that team. I’m expecting that here with Michigan who continues to toe the line of close wins, with their last nine wins by four points or fewer. Take the Illini here plus the points.

It has been a frustrating season for Greg Paulus and Niagara who saw their up and coming team last season, get hit hard by the transfer portal. The Purple Eagles have shown fight against top level teams in-conference, including defeating Quinnipiac. Three out of their last four losses have been by less then three points. Look for Manhattan to put an end as they build off their seven point win over Niagara earlier this season.

I’ve touched on Marist not playing up to the standards they have shown throughout MAAC conference play. The grind of playing a Friday to Sunday game catches all teams. Marist has had issues scoring in three out of their last four games where they have scored sixty four points or less. Saint Peter’s also held them to fifty six points in their first meeting. Take the underdog here with Saint Peters.

Out in the Southern Conference, Western Carolina has seen their defense suffer where opponents have scored 90 or more points in three straight games. They’ll take on a Mercer team they defeated in their first matchup 85 to 82.  That’s a confidence booster for the Catamounts, who also have incentive to be prepared for the SoCon conference tournament. This is a cemented round one matchup Friday on a neutral court in Asheville, North Carolina. Grab the points here with Western Carolina.

Out in the MEAC Coppin State travels to face Delaware State. In their first matchup the Eagles lost 84-61. Since that performance Coppin State has picked up two conference wins, and are now 5-21. From an ATS perspective take the Eagles, as Delaware State is in a mini slump ATS failing to cover in three straight. Grab the underdog with Coppin State.

A team that is reeling in Sun Belt league play is Old Dominion. The Monarchs have dropped six straight games, and seven out of their last eight. Tonight they will take on a Coastal Carolina team that has shown life with two of three wins. Yet, on the season in smaller conference action one of the more lopsided games I’ve watched was the Monarchs 74-52 win over Coastal Carolina. It may not come as easy as the first matchup, but take the Monarchs to end their six game losing streak.

A pattern this season more then most is dominant conference teams have been winning as slight road underdogs. Tonight I’ll side step that notion with Sacred Heart hosting Marist. Marist sits atop the MAAC conference with a 13-3 record, but much like Michigan out of the Big Ten they win by close margins. Look for the Pioneers to take advantage and end the four game winning streak of Marist.

Out in the Southern Conference Wofford finds themselves steep favorites over Western Carolina. Today’s spread is actually higher then their eight point road win in the first matchup against Western Carolina. The Catamounts just had their streak of six straight games of wins or losses by nine points or fewer snapped in a 21 point loss to Samford. After back to back games of giving up more then 90 points, lay it here with Wofford.

A misnomer in the betting markets is expecting a losing team to magically win facing a below average team. Lasalle has lost five straight games and has made the announcement that Coach Fran Dunphy will not return after the season. Inspirational play can be had by the Explorers but not enough to finish off the Dukes. Lay the road favorite here with Duquesne.

The Missouri Valley is one of the early conference tournaments that will begin in early March. A team like Indiana State knows their fate, but can still take advantage of finishing out the season on a positive note. They have lost four of five games but end the season with two opponents they can win against. Tonight’s opponent in Murray State they defeated by ten points as an early December 18th conference game. Take the points here with the Sycamores.

Two teams in the Atlantic Ten searching for momentum pre-conference tournament meet today in Saint Louis and Davidson. Saint Louis three weeks ago appeared as a possible threat to win the regular season conference title. They have since went 2-4 with road losses in are below .500 in league play on the road. Yet, Davidson has had issues starting and finishing games against above .500 teams in conference. Take Saint Louis here on the road.

One of the toughest spots in college basketball is bouncing back after a long streak ends. Akron had their 13-0 MAC conference streak snapped in a bad way losing by seventeen points to Ohio. This was seen coming as Akron had a couple of shaky performances prior. Look for the Zips to use that loss as a wake up call to avoid a downfall, as the MAC conference will be a one-bid conference tourney league winner only. Lay it here with Akron.

One of the strangest and strongest ATS streaks in all of college basketball lies in the SWAC with Florida A&M. They have covered eleven straight games, but are coming off a tough one point road loss on Saturday against Alabama State. Depending on offense to the level of their first matchup against Alabama A&M is where I believe the tide swings on their ATS streak. Look for the Bulldogs to play better defensively from the 95 points they surrendered in the first game. Take the home dog here with Alabama A&M.

Winning streaks that end on the road can carry extra on the spread in that first home game back. Kansas State had a strong six game winning streak before losing their last two games on the road against BYU and Utah. Expect Arizona State to fight hard to end their six game losing streak against a Wildcats team they lost by just one point at home. They also started that game with a 15 to 0 lead. Take Arizona State.

A lack of defense has hurt UMass in the Atlantic 10. They have dropped four out of their last five games, where they have declined offensively in three straight. This culminated in just a fifty one point performance against VCU. Yet, today’s matchup against George Washington has those factors included in the spread, and the market has driven it up further. Grab the points as the Minutemen had two conference victories by double digits, with one being against George Washington.

 Now at the back end of conference play opponents are seeing teams for a second time. Western Michigan after losing in the first matchup blew out the Buffalo Bulls by thirty three points on Tuesday. Look for Ball State to up their game from their thirteen point road victory over the Bulls earlier in conference. Lay the points.

The Penn State Nittany Lions are a showcase of how non-conference can be meaningless from a record stand point. After rolling to a 12-2 start, which included a win over Purdue, the Nittany Lions have won just two out of their last thirteen games. Today is an two-fold opportunity for Penn State, one they can get their first win streak since January 2nd. Secondly, they can avenge a home loss to Minnesota. Expect a tighter game as Penn State disrupts one of the top ATS teams in the country.

Every team has their vulnerability stretch in conference play. Out in the MAC that has occurred with Miami Ohio as they have lost two games in a row to lower level competition in Eastern and Western Michigan. They’ll need to regroup against a Kent State team that has won five straight games. Look for Miami Ohio to reenforce the defensive edge they had in the first matchup where they limited Kent State to just 61 points. Lay the small number here with the home team.

Tonight Northern Kentucky concludes their longest road trip of the season of three straight games. That sometimes can be a disadvantage, but the Horizon League is a conference where travel is minimal as all the schools are in close proximity. Wright State is also coming off one of the top poor losses of the season losing to Green Bay. Look for a slow start from the home team as Northern Kentucky covers the road number.

A spread that is certainly higher today based on a team’s latest game is Austin Peay at Queens. Austin Peay not only lost to a 3-24 Bellarmine team, but were annihilated 94-68. I’ll step in and buy on the dip on Austin Peay, who lost by seven in the first matchup against Queens. Grab the points here with the underdog.

A personnel angle of mine is to attack a side I lost in the first matchup. That is in play today as LeMoyne hosts St. Francis Pennsylvania. In the first matchup I mentioned the layoff of a full week for St. Francis, and that ended up being a huge catalyst for an explosive first half for the Red Flash. Yet, LeMoyne closed the gap and had a chance to tie late. They also come in on a two game winning streak, and will seek their first three game winning streak of the season. Lay it with LeMoyne.

One of the more flat performances in-conference this season was when Cincinnati hosted West Virginia. As 6.5 point favorites it was never a contest as West Virginia led by double digits halfway through the first half, and never looked back. That ugly performance sparked the Bearcats as they have won three out of their last four games. Offensively they have scored 70 or more points in four straight games. Take the Bearcats plus the points.

Two struggling teams will meet in the Atlantic 10, as LaSalle hosts the Richmond Spiders. Richmond began conference play 2-0, and has since dropped seven out of their last nine games. Since January 4th’s win at Mass, Richmond has dropped all four road conference games by double digits. Off a win Saturday against Fordham, look for the Spiders to take advantage of a rare opportunity for consecutive wins. Grab the points with Richmond.

Out in the Atlantic Sun Jacksonville will head on the road to take on Florida Gulf Coast. The Dolphins are 3-3 over their last six games, but still are in third place in the Atlantic Sun standings. Heading into their third road game in a row, expect Florida Gulf Coast to dictate the game early. After all they erased a 24 point deficit to comeback and defeat Jacksonville in the first matchup. Lay the points here with Gulf Coast.

Lamar has been on a great streak in Southland conference play where they have won seven out of their last eight games. During that stretch the one loss came playing in a Monday road spot, after playing on the road Saturday. That is the scenario tonight against a Northwestern State team I expect to perform better offensively then the fifty nine points scored in the first matchup against Lamar. Take Northwestern State.

St. Johns comes into today’s matchup with one loss in 2025, and that was their latest game against Villanova. Prior their last loss had been on New Year’s Eve to this Creighton team. It was a low scoring affair 57-56. I expect scoring to bump up tonight, but look for Creighton to hang around closer to the original spread of 4.5. Grab the points on the spread increase.

Out in Horizon League action Cleveland State will host Youngstown State.  The Vikings have had a dip in scoring over their last handful of games, and as a result come in having lost two of three.  Look for a get right spot on their home floor as they even the season series over Youngstown State. Lay the small number.

A team that is typically atop the Big South Conference is Longwood. While they have an above .500 record overall, they are below .500 in conference play after four straight losses. Presbyterian was their first conference opponent in what was an eight point win for the Blue Hose. As desperate as Longwood is grab the points for an underdog cover from Presbyterian.

Out in the Ohio Valley Conference, Morehead State has dropped four out of their last five games. This includes three straight at home, and tonight they will embark on their first road game since January 25th. Yet, they scored a conference high 82 points in defeating Lindenwood on January 18th. Lindenwood has also had a steep drop off their last two games in second halves. They scored just 15 points through the first thirteen minutes in Saturday’s loss to Tennessee State, and six points through the first twelve second half minutes against UT Martin. Lay it with Morehead State. 

Loyola Maryland will host Army for their second matchup on the season. In the first matchup Army had a clear advantage for the first thirty minutes, leading by 17 points at halftime and double digits until the final three minutes. Loyola went on a furious run and missed a potential game winning three at the buzzer. Look for the Greyhounds to execute better a second time around. Take ML or -1.5

One of the few conferences where steamed money can be utilized is the Patriot League. It’s a conference that does not have a true dominant team, and low spreads are offered consistently. Holy Cross at the beginning of conference play was actually the conference leader, they’ve since stumbled to a big decline. Colgate after losing four straight games is coming off a resounding win. Look for their offense to carry over against Holy Cross. 

George Mason will be put to the test tonight as they go into their third road game over their last four outings. They will also be in a one day rest disadvantage against Saint Louis who played on Friday. Yet, throughout the Patriots nine game winning streak they have had a knack of closing out games. They’ve had six wins by seven points or fewer including two in overtime. Take George Mason 

Southeast Louisiana has played excellent conference basketball in Southland play. They have won three straight games, but have survived close calls in their latest two. In Saturday’s victory against Incarnate Word they squandered an eight point lead, and barely held on. Houston Christian is a matchup problem for them, as was witnessed in their last loss to the Huskies four games ago. Take the Huskies as the small favorite.

Out in Southland Conference play a team that has been struggling is Northwestern State. They lost to a three win East Texas A&M team by twenty two points, and are coming off scoring just fifty points in Saturday’s loss to McNeese. This is a case where the line is a bit to high off of the recent struggles of the Demons. Look for a competitive game against a Nicholls team they defeated in early January 68-66. ..

After missing the prior game against Loyola Maryland, Lafayette got their top player back in Justin Vander Baan in Saturday’s win over Navy. Despite being in the bottom half of the Patriot League standings, they find themselves as a short underdog on the road against conference leader American. Expect Lafayette to get revenge on a matchup they let slip away late on January 29th. Grab the points here with Lafayette.

An ugly loss can be the fuel for a team in their next outing. Expect that today on a light college basketball board on Super Bowl Sunday for UMass. The Minutemen had Saint Louis on the ropes up ten late, but could not execute and finish off the job. Today, they will face a La Salle team they routed by twenty two points January 19th. Take UMass to complete the season sweep.

Out in the Big South there could be a slow start for the home team in Gardner Webb. Just two nights ago they had the conference leader in UNC Asheville in a tight game up until the final five minutes. Yet, I expect Gardner Webb to recover against a Charleston Southern team that is poor at the free throw line and one dimensional with Take Kelly. Lay it with Gardner Webb.

Wofford has been a tricky team to figure out. They’ve had blowout road wins over UNC Greensboro and Furman, but have also had a poor home loss to VMI. After a strong start to Southern conference play that featured a 5-2 mark with the two losses by two points, they have faded. They are just 1-3 over their last four games, and this is a revenge spot for Mercer who scored just 49 points in the first matchup to Wofford. Take the home dog here.

Now that we are in the month of February there are key spots for inevitable let downs. It’s the final full month of conference play, and teams are going to be more susceptible in road spots. Look for that to be the case today for Saint Louis that has allowed key spurts to the opposition over their last two games against Dayton and Mass. Expect Saint Joseph’s to perform much better a second time seeing Saint Louis. Lay it with the Hawks.

Portal defects hit San Diego hard this season, as they have gone just 4-20 on the season. Losses have mounted as they go into tonight’s matchup against Pacific on a ten game losing streak. Throughout the losses they have been competitive with close losses against Santa Clara, Loyola Marymount, and Washington State. They even showed resilience in what looked to be a blowout loss last week against Pepperdine. Take the Torreros who are being over adjusted ATS due to their losing streak and road spot at Pacific.

The LeMoyne Dolphins will go into their third straight road game tonight against St. Francis. They come in on a three game losing streak, where they have struggled in second halves. This came to light in their latest loss against Wagner where they led at halftime. Expect LeMoyne to step it up against a St. Francis team that has had a full week off of action.

Exactly two weeks ago Lafayette went on the road and dismantled Loyola Maryland 80-59. The twenty one point win was the Leopards best win on the season over a division one school. It was a game that the big run occurred right before halftime, and the Greyhounds were never able to recover. Look for a stronger effort defensively as that was the most points any team scored in-conference against Loyola. Grab the points here.

Saint Louis is coming off two big home games in which they rode the emotional wave of a great win over VCU, only to falter in a televised spot against Dayton. Now they will play three of four games on the road, starting with tonight’s matchup against UMass. The Minutemen may be 10-12 but they have grown in-conference winning four out of their last five games. Take UMass to protect their home floor as the slight underdog.

Iowa State just a week ago last Monday was on the verge of a win at Arizona. With Caleb Love sending in a beyond half court shot, the Cyclones lost in overtime. That loss spilled over into a pathetic showing Saturday at home against Kansas State. Look for the Cyclones to regroup against a Kansas team that is showing the inability to compete for forty minutes.

Southeast Louisiana has had a home stretch that is going into its fourth straight tonight. That has lifted their value a bit to high tonight based on winning seven of their last eight games. Lamar with their depth and steady guard play is one of the few Southland conference teams that can combat the Saturday to Monday road elements in-conference. Take the Cardinal who swept won both matchups last season.

Out in the SWAC Alabama State has had consecutive poor losses. Last Monday they had a poor second half defensive effort against Texas Southern, and Saturday nearly dug themselves a huge hole against Bethune Cookman. They showed fight in nearly coming back Saturday, and I expect that effort to carry over on the road against Florida A&M and end the Rattlers five game winning streak.

In the Southern Conference Furman has a stand out 17-5 record. That is not indicative of their struggles in-conference where they are 5-4 overall. Coming off a win against the top Southern Conference team in Samford, look for Furman to focus on ending their inconsistencies on the road. Over their last four road games they have went 1-3 ATS, but clamped the Bucs defensively in the final five minutes of their January 15th victory.

When it comes to the WCC the two stalwarts have been Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. The Zags took awhile to gel with their talent and suffered consecutive conference losses. They have since regrouped and will be ready to give Saint Mary’s half court defense a test for forty minutes. Grab the Zags as they end Saint Mary’s 9-0 conference start.

A matchup over the years that tends to be low scoring and close is Wofford versus UNC Greensboro. Expect that to be the case once again as the two already had a two point decision earlier this season, 68-66. Wofford also has not lost three straight games since losing to Duke in their fourth game of the season on November 6th. Grab the value here with the Terriers.

Saint Louis is coming off a huge victory over a VCU team that had been 16-4, and defeated them prior in conference play. Sometimes that big victory can lead to a slow start the following game. Dayton is in a dire spot off a twenty two point road loss Tuesday against St. Bonaventure. Expect Dayton to get back to the level we saw in non-conference when they defeated UConn and Marquette. Grab the points with the Flyers.

Out in the Patriot League, American has rose their market with five straight wins overall. During the process they ended a season long road winless streak where they have now won consecutive games. Lafayette off an embarrassing 86-47 loss should be poised for an all around effort at home. They played five of their last seven on the road, and should be rejuvenated on their home court.

For years when it comes to SWAC play it’s been a dominant run for Texas Southern. Once again they are showcasing value in the betting market with a five game conference winning streak. Tonight will be a tricky spot for the Tigers as they are coming off an overtime win Saturday. Alabama State is also eager to end a six game losing streak to the Tigers. Lay the small number here.

Despite winning four out of their last five games, Portland State is not garnering love from the oddsmakers. Their heavy guard line up can tend to struggle in the Thursday to Saturday quick conference turn around in Big Sky play. Expect the focus meter for Idaho State to be extremely high after a let down loss Thursday at Sacramento State.

Under first year Coach Gerry McNamara Siena has been a pleasant surprise. They are coming off a resounding home win over Mount St. Marys, and the offense has picked up as of late. Iona is one of the few teams in conference that gave them problems, leading virtually the entire second half in their first matchup. Take the value on the Gaels here.

Utah Valley has had one of the strongest surges from a smaller conference. After beginning the year 4-5, they have won nine out of their last ten games. Yet, they have had a home friendly schedule and in their first two conference road games were fortunate to win by two points. This is also a night time televised game that should motivate California Baptist. Lay it with the home team

Out in the Big Sky look for Weber State to finally flip the switch on close losses. The Wildcats have lost six of their last seven games, but three of those losses have been by four points or fewer. Portland State is also playing in their first home game since January 11th. Expect them to be tight on the offensive end of the floor. Grab the points with Weber State.

Responding off an overtime loss can be tough in your next matchup. Ole Miss must regroup after going down Saturday in overtime against Mississippi State. Today they will face a Texas A&M Aggies team that is bolstered with the return of Wade Taylor. The Aggies also had Ole Miss’s number last season defeating them twice late in the season, and the road loss earlier in conference to the Rebels was just by three points. To much of an over adjustment on the Aggies side based on Taylor’s return and last year’s results. Tail Ole Miss.

Despite being just 2-7 over their last nine games, Lafayette is garnering the respect of oddsmakers today against Loyola Maryland. The Leopards may be losing but they have been in a majority of their conference games outside of their latest loss to Colgate. Prior in their five conference games they won two, and the other three were decided by three points or less. Grab Lafayette plus the points.

A team that should be fired up off a bad loss is BYU. The Cougars had their opportunities as the Utes shot just 53 percent from the free throw line, but could not prevail in an overtime loss. Winless on the road this year this is an opportune spot to take out their frustrations on a Colorado team that is 0-6 in Big 12 play. Lay it with the Cougars.

UNLV has surged in Mountain West play with a 5-2 overall record, that included upsetting a top twenty five team in Utah State. They are a team that’s offense can be an issue, and makes for a tough lay as a sizable favorite. Although Wyoming has lost four of five games I believe this will be a slower pace game. Grab the Cowboys in a value spot off the Rebels conference surge.

Out in the Missouri Valley Indiana State has been torched defensively over their last two games. They surrendered 118 points to Bradley and are coming off an 18 point loss to Drake. With losses in six of their last seven games now is the time for a value spot on the road against Illinois State. Illinois State’s last three games have been decided by six points or fewer. Grab the Sycamores on an inflated line.

Teams on losing streaks are going to give the effort. The question comes with lapses that the opponent can take advantage of. UT Rio Valley Grande is in their first year in the Southland conference, and with losses in three of four games are adjusting. Expect Incarnate Word to have difficulty against a UT Rio Valley Grande team that loves to run and plays bigger then their lineup’s size. Grab the points here with UT Rio Valley Grande. 

On a very light Sunday college hoops slate the Horizon League will have an interesting battle. Cleveland State comes in on a nine game winning streak, and is atop the conference with a 7-1 record. During their win streak their closest victory was against IU Indianapolis, a six point victory. Look for the Jaguars to be motivated on their home floor to end the Vikings win streak. Grab the points here with the IU Jaguars.

Another value spot on Sunday’s slate lies in the Atlantic 10. UMass is coming off a thrilling four overtime game winning 120-118. An abnormal game like that leads to value the following with bettors attracted to the mindset a team will be tired. Yet, UMass has won two of their last three games and being on their home floor is key. Take the Minute Men to pull off another victory and cover.

The Big Sky’s conference schedule can make it difficult for road teams from Thursday to Saturday games. Portland State is in that scenario for the first time this season after losing to Northern Colorado on Thursday. That may have caused to high of a line move on NAU’s side, who is coming off a clinic performance against lowly Sacramento State. Value play here a I expect Portland State to sneak within the rising spread.

Out in the MAAC, Marist has jumped out in front of the conference with a 14-3 record. In their last matchup against Fairfield they had a rest advantage, that was not noticeable until the final five minutes when Marist pulled away. Saint Peter’s won last year’s home game over Marist by nine points, and have limited their last three opponents to an average of 59 points. Back the home team here in Saint Peter’s.

Just seven days ago Marshall defeated tonight’s opponent James Madison in a thriller with two free throws in the final second. In the win Marshall lost their leading scorer Obinna Anochili-Killen who was in a walking boot in Marshall’s last game. This has caused too aggressive of a line move. Watch out for Marshall guard Jalen Speer who went 7 for 7 from beyond the arc against James Madison, and scored 19 second half points. Grab Marshall on the over aggressive line adjustment.

Small road underdogs against a top level team can be a tricky scenario. That is the case today for Duquense who as a below .500 team are a small underdog to 13-3 George Washington. Yet, conference play creates different power ratings for teams, and Duquesne showed this last season by winning the Atlantic 10 conference tournament. As a better in-conference team grab the points as they look to improve to 3-1 in A-10 play.

Over the last several seasons Samford has been amongst the top teams in the Southern Conference. Last year they made the March Madness tournament and this season they are off to another fantastic start at 14-3. Look for Mercer to respond off of consecutive losses, including losing to a a five win Western Carolina team. Grab the points here with Mercer.

In both college basketball plays today I’m backing teams coming off season lows in points. Valparaiso scored just forty seven points in their loss to Murray State. Yet, they’ve showed fight in-conference taking Bradley and Indiana State to overtime. Belmont has also been susceptible over their last nine games three have been losses, and six wins were all by seven points or fewer. Grab the underdog here with Valparaiso.

A season ago the Buffalo Bulls were one of the worst teams in division one with a record of 4-27. They have now lost seven straight games against division one opponents, and are coming off as season low forty nine points. This is a buy low spot as the Bulls trailed by just four points to Kent State at halftime in their last game, and will correct their offensive issues against Bowling Green. Grab the points here with Buffalo.

Loyola Maryland is a talented team that may go on a run in the Patriot conference. Currently though early in conference play they are struggling with close games. Each of their last four games has been decided by six points or less, and three decided by two points or less. Although American is winless on the road this season at 0-8, look for the number to be a factor against Loyola Maryland once again. Grab the points.

Wright State comes into today’s matchup against Robert Morris with momentum having won consecutive games. On the season though they have failed to win three straight games. Traveling on the road is one of the main reasons they are just 9-8 on the year, as they have lost four out of their last five road games. Grab Robert Morris who has revenge on their mind from losing to Wright State by 25 and 30 points last season.

Marist has won seven straight games and is the only MAAC team above .500 besides conference newcomer Mount St. Mary’s. That’s caused a steep rise from an ATS stand point in what is a big rest advantage spot for Marist. They’ve been off for seven days while Fairfield just played two days ago against Iona. Look for the patented big start from Marist before Fairfield chips away. Marist may have a seven game winning streak, but six of their wins have been within this spread. Grab Fairfield.

A team that has struggled with portal transfers and overall play has been Oakland. They lost Trey Townsend to Arizona, and are just 5-11 to begin the season. One of their wins came against Wright State on December 5th. Look for the Golden Grizzlies to lean on that performance to at least keep it within the number tonight. Play Oakland.

Sometimes conference play can ignite a team that ended non-conference play poorly. American lost four straight games, but is coming off a double digit victory over Holy Cross. Look for the confidence to show on the road today against a Boston team that has performed below their capabilities. The Eagles are also looking to avenge two losses last season against Boston. Grab the points here.

Arkansas will try and avoid losing consecutive games for the first time this season. In Saturday’s loss to Tennessee they scored just 52 points, as Johnell Davis was scoreless off the bench in twenty five minutes of action. Look for Ole Miss to continue to give Arkansas problems on the defensive end of the floor, as opponents are averaging just 64 points per game. Grab the underdog here with Ole Miss. 

Over the years the Southern Conference has lost their high end coaches to power schools, as well as talent to the portal. Still, it is a balanced conference which can be tricky on small spreads. Mercer after beginning the year just 1-4 against division one schools, has won six of their last eight. Deeper into conference play look for their flaws from early in the season to be exposed against an East Tennessee State team that won both games last season. Lay the small number here.

Under first year Coach Gerry McNamara Siena has had their moments of a program going upward. Probably the peak is now as the Saints are coming off defeating Cornell as a double digit underdog. Now they’ll face a conference opponent in Manhattan that is well rested, as they have not played since December 21st. They’ve also covered in their last three road games. Grab the points here with Manhattan.