Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-15-21 | Virginia v. Florida State UNDER 130 | Top | 60-81 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #844 Monday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Florida State Seminoles vs Virginia Cavaliers @ 7 ET - Big game involving top two teams in the ACC. I am well aware of the fact that the Seminoles are on an over streak but the Cavaliers are going to dictate that this game will be an ugly grinder. It is just the way Virginia games are and, especially in a big one like this, I do not see the Cavs allowing there to be any tempo in this game. The Cavaliers are so good at dictating tempo and forcing a slow pace. Virginia's last 5 games have resulted in 4 unders and those games have averaged just 112.7 points per game. We are getting extra value with this total posted in the 130 range because of the Seminoles long-term scoring process. However, do not overlook the Noles defensive play! FSU is off a high-scoring OT win versus Wake Forest but that was an usual situation for them Saturday as it was their first game in over two weeks. Prior to the shootout with WF, the Seminoles 10 prior wins saw them allow just 64.4 points per game. Now ratchet that down many notches because of playing slow-paced Virginia and you can see why I would not be surprised to see this game fall into the 115 to 120 range for total points. 10* UNDER the total in Florida State |
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02-14-21 | Marquette +7.5 v. Seton Hall | Top | 51-57 | Win | 100 | 18 h 31 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #803 Sunday 10* Top Play Marquette Golden Eagles (+) @ Seton Hall Pirates @ 3 ET - The Golden Eagles will be ready to bounce back after an embarrassing blowout loss at Villanova by a 32-point margin. That was their first really bad loss of the new year as in 2021 the average margin of defeat had been 6.4 points per game. That said, and considering they are in a good spot, Marquette is offering significant line value here after opening up at about an 8 point dog. The Pirates are in the perfect spot to struggle as they are off back to back wins on the road as a very small favorite. Now Seton Hall has not played in over a week while Marquette played on Wednesday. After that blowout loss to the Wildcats, the Golden Eagles will be ready to respond here as they look for some revenge against the Pirates. Seton Hall has actually won 5 straight games against Marquette so payback is on order here. Look for the Pirates to fall to 0-3 ATS in their last 3 home games as they have lost back to back games both SU and ATS and the Golden Eagles challenge them all the way after getting embarrassed on Wednesday. 10* MARQUETTE |
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02-13-21 | Villanova v. Creighton OVER 143.5 | Top | 70-86 | Win | 100 | 8 h 13 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #693 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Bluejays vs Villanova Wildcats @ 5 ET - Villanova's defensive numbers haven't been nearly as strong as in recent seasons. The Wildcats are allowing opponents to hit 45.5% from the field including 37.2% from three point land. Creighton loves to fire up 3-balls, particularly when at home, and the Bluejays are hitting 50% from the field including 37% from beyond the arc in their home games this season. Creighton is averaging 83 points per game this season when at home but Villanova is winning a ton of games again this season thanks to very consistent scoring. The Wildcats are scoring an average of 79 points per game this season. The over is 7-4 in Bluejays home games this season and 6-3 in Villanova's conference games this season. Look for these trends to continue here as I expect both teams to get into the 70s in this one. The Cats have been into the 70s in all but 2 of their 15 games this season. The Jays have scored at least 70 in 9 of their last 10 home games. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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02-13-21 | Butler v. Georgetown -1 | 63-78 | Win | 100 | 16 h 12 m | Show | |
Big East Best - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #630 Saturday 8* Georgetown Hoyas (-) vs Butler Bulldogs @ 1:30 ET - Georgetown is off an ugly home loss to Creighton in which they suffered from very cold shooting and scored just 48 points. However, in their 3 prior games heading into that one, the Hoyas scored an average of 77.7 points per game. Georgetown, after beating Providence, then faced ranked teams in 3 straight games. The Hoyas are off back to back losses but now will take advantage of a stepdown in level of competition here. Georgetown is hosting a Butler team that is off back to back wins but the most recent one was a fortunate one as they were getting hammered by St John's but then rallied in the 2nd half, tied it with just a few seconds left, and then won by 3 in overtime. Also, the Bulldogs have not won 3 straight games this entire season and I do not expect that to change here as their 2-game winning streak comes to an end. Also, Butler did beat Georgetown by 8 points earlier this season but the Bulldogs are just 1-7 SU on the road this season. Grab the Hoyas in this one. 8* GEORGETOWN |
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02-12-21 | Temple +6.5 v. Cincinnati | Top | 69-71 | Win | 100 | 23 h 1 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #897 Friday 10* Top Plays Temple Owls (+) @ Cincinnati Bearcats @ 7 ET - The last 4 games between these teams have been decided by an average of just 3.8 points and now the Owls are a 6.5 dog in this one and it is a revenge spot. Temple lost at home against Cincinnati a week ago. The Owls enter this one off 3 straight losses but they got the big dog cover with a strong effort at Wichita State on Sunday. Temple is now on a 3-0 ATS run in road games and I look for the Owls to continue that strong run as travelers here. Though the Bearcats got the cover at Temple a week ago, Cincinnati is 2-9 ATS in their other games this season and I feel they are over-valued in this one. Opponents are actually shooting 47.5% against the Bearcats in their home games this season while the Owls are holding opponents to 40.9% in their road games this season. I am grabbing the hungry, undervalued dog in this one. 10* TEMPLE |
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02-11-21 | Purdue +2.5 v. Minnesota | Top | 68-71 | Loss | -115 | 20 h 33 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #737 Thursday 10* Top Play Purdue Boilermakers (+) @ Minnesota Golden Gophers @ 5 ET - Early line movement toward Minnesota already and I understand that because of the revenge angle. However, there is a match-up issue here. The Boilermakers outrebounded the Golden Gophers by 17 in the first meeting and it was not entirely a fluke. Minnesota has been outrebounded by a margin of 2 boards per game this season while Purdue is outrebounding opponents by 7 boards a game on the season. Comparing these two teams' stats on the season, the Boilermakers are also the better shooting team. Purdue has won 6 of 8 games entering this one while Minnesota is off a win but that was preceded by 6 losses in 8 games. The Boilermakers also have a rest edge here having not played since the 6th while the Gophers just played on the 8th. Minnesota has a great home record this season but the odds maker set this line very low with good reason. Don't let the number scare you away. Look for the road team to roll in this one. 10* PURDUE |
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02-10-21 | Connecticut v. Providence +1.5 | Top | 59-70 | Win | 100 | 21 h 1 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #644 Wednesday 10* Top Play Providence Friars (+) vs Connecticut Huskies @ 4 ET - The Huskies are a different team without leading scorer James Bouknight and he is out indefinitely with an elbow injury. Connecticut is now on a 1-3 SU/ATS run without him. As for Providence, reinforcements are very near to returning as both Jared Bynum and Jimmy Nichols are nearing returns. So when someone casually looks at this game, they see an 8-4 team laying just 1.5 points at a 9-10 team. However, as you can see, there is absolutely a reason this game is priced this way so do not be fooled by the 4-win team in this range. The Friars are off a home loss in which they allowed 92 points and they will be ready to respond big here and improve to 5-0 this season when off a game in which they allowed 79 or more points. Another disadvantage for UConn here is this is just their 2nd game in the past 2 weeks. The home team in a much better spot here from a situational and personnel perspective. 10* PROVIDENCE |
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02-09-21 | St. John's +2.5 v. Butler | Top | 73-76 | Loss | -106 | 13 h 6 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #631 Tuesday 10* Top Play St John's Red Storm (+) @ Butler Bulldogs @ 9 ET - The Red Storm are red hot entering this game on a 6-0 SU run and 8-0 ATS run. St John's next game after this is not for a full week. That said, the Red Storm can absolutely lay it all on the line here with a strong aggressive effort. Speaking of aggressive play, that is the reason St John's is averaging twice as many (10) steals per game as Butler is (5) this season. Turnovers were a key in the first meeting between these teams and that was a Red Storm home win by double digits. Now in this second meeting, because Butler is at home, the host is a popular choice. The line opened up with St John's -1.5 but has flipped and is now up to a -2.5 on the Bulldogs! Love the added value here with the road dog. Butler enters this game off a home win versus DePaul but this was preceded by a stretch that saw the Bulldogs go 3-7 over 10 games. Butler is simply not as strong this season and the Red Storm are surging. Not only do they do a better job in terms of steals and blocked shots, St John's also has been the better shooting team this season across all categories - from the field, free throws, and three pointers. Grab the road dog Red Storm here plus the points but expect an outright win. 10* ST JOHN'S |
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02-08-21 | SMU v. East Carolina OVER 139 | Top | 71-56 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 29 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #845 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in East Carolina Pirates vs SMU Mustangs @ 5 ET - Don't be fooled by the total here. The game between odds makers and the betting markets can be a funny thing. That said, why did this total open at a 139 when each of the Pirates 7 games in 2021 have had a posted total below that? Exactly! The average total posted in those 7 games was just 132.3 points. That said, do not let the number fool you as this one should fly over. The Pirates do hit a respectable 35% of their threes when at home and the Mustangs are hitting 35% of threes on the season even on the road where they are at 36% on the season. SMU is off a low-scoring hard-fought win that was their 2nd straight under but this followed 3 straight road overs that saw the Mustangs average 76.3 points per game. The Pirates will get their points at home but this is an East Carolina team that, prior to a low-scoring loss at Memphis, allowed 75.3 points their 4 prior games. So this game should be in the 76-70 range in my opinion and actually cracking the 150 mark would not surprise me at all. That said, the value is here for us. 10* OVER the total in East Carolina |
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02-07-21 | Georgetown v. Villanova OVER 142 | Top | 74-84 | Win | 100 | 16 h 3 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #811 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Georgetown Hoyas @ 2:30 ET - The Wildcats are off just their 2nd loss of the season. When they lost their first game they responded by scoring 87 points in their next game. At home and not happy about scoring just 59 points in their loss to St John's, Villanova will take a very aggressive approach here and won't take their foot off the gas. However, don't be surprised if the Hoyas run right along with the Cats! Georgetown, after a long layoff due to postponed games, has come back with a perfect 2-0 SU mark even though they were a big dog in each game. The Hoyas are playing with a ton of confidence as a result especially since they are coming off a red-hot shooting effort against Creighton. Look for the Hoyas to carry some momentum from that one right into this one and I am looking for a very high-scoring affair as a result. We are getting some value here with the low total because this series has trended under in recent meetings. The value is there because the situation is telling me this should be an over. The Cats are angry and want to put up 90+ if they can but Georgetown comes in with confidence and hot shooting. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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02-06-21 | Wisconsin v. Illinois OVER 136 | Top | 60-75 | Loss | -105 | 17 h 37 m | Show |
Big Ten Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #657 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Illinois Illini vs Wisconsin Badgers @ 2:30 ET - The Badgers generally are known for defense and for tough play at home. Also, when off a loss, Wisconsin has really shown a knack to D up in their next game. But in this case they are off a win and the O/U is 5-2 in the Badgers last 7 games they have entered off a win. Also, on the road this season the Badgers are allowing 68 points and 36% shooting from three point land. Neither one of those stats is overly impressive and now Wisconsin faces a red hot Illinois team that is confidence offensively. The Illini average 82.2 points per game this season. Also, Illinois has won 7 of 9 games and have averaged 78 points in those 7 wins. The Illini, not including OT, have allowed 74 points per game their last 4 games. I like taking overs when teams are off wins. They tend to put a little more reliance on their offense when they are rolling and pay a little less attention to the defensive side of the game. It is just a natural thing and I feel the Illini, at home, will also dictate the pace and flow of this game and they will force it to be a higher-scoring game. Getting this total in the mid-130s is a solid value. 10* OVER the total in Illinois |
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02-06-21 | Seton Hall +2 v. Connecticut | 80-73 | Win | 100 | 15 h 59 m | Show | |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #609 Saturday 8* Seton Hall Pirates (+) @ Connecticut Huskies @ Noon ET - The Pirates are 9-5 their last 14 games and here is the key. 4 of those 5 losses came against ranked teams. The only other loss was in overtime. That said, you can see why I expect Seton Hall to now take advantage of facing an unranked UConn team and we get some line value based on the Pirates being on the road so the points are on our side. Seton Hall off a dominating win in which they allowed only 43 points and forced plenty of turnovers. The Pirates will build off that here. The Huskies are 8-3 this season while Seton Hall has 8 losses already this season and yet Connecticut is a very small favorite here even though they are at home. This is a typical contrarian situation for me and I feel the Pirates are the better team and will get the job done on the road here. The road dog is the better shooting team on the season and I like the way their defense played in their dominating win earlier this week. 8* SETON HALL |
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02-05-21 | Maryland v. Penn State -2 | Top | 50-55 | Win | 100 | 23 h 7 m | Show |
Early TV Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #860 Friday 10* Top Play Penn State Nittany Lions (-) vs Maryland Terrapins @ 7 ET - Why is a 6-8 team favored over a 10-8 team? Precisely why I am playing the 6-8 team. The fact is the Nittany Lions are off a bad loss at Wisconsin and in bounce back mode. Before the ugly loss to the Badgers, Penn State had beaten Wisconsin as part of a 3-1 SU and ATS run and that victory over the Badgers was at home where the Lions have won 3 straight and they should make it 4 in a row Friday. The Terrapins are off a win versus Purdue by the slimmest of margins but are on a 2-6 ATS run and off the nail-biter win, will fall flat here. Maryland averaging just 62.6 points per game on the road this season while the Nittany Lions are averaging 81.1 points per game at home this season. The Terps are the better team defensively but the home/road dichotomy for PSU is a big one and they again come up big at home with a strong shooting performance off a loss. 10* PENN STATE |
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02-04-21 | Cincinnati v. Temple +2.5 | Top | 63-60 | Loss | -109 | 23 h 37 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #736 Thursday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (+) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 7 ET - I am a Philly guy and was surprised the Owls didn't get it done on Sunday against Tulane. The game meant a little something extra after the passing of John Chaney whose name is synonymous with Temple basketball. The fact is that Sunday's disappointing result had a lot do with getting outrebounded and also the Green Wave shot much better. The Owls actually had just as many shot attempts as Tulane did in the game. Now Temple catches a break with facing a Cincinnati team that has not played in 3 and 1/2 weeks. Not only that, the Bearcats have lost 6 of their last 7 games. The Owls had won 3 of 4 before Sunday's loss and will respond big at home here. Cincinnati will struggle after the long layoff. Temple head coach Aaron McKie is also an Owls grad and the loss of Cheney means something extra to him for sure and I really look for a tremendous effort from the home team here and, unlike Sunday, they are catching the right team at the right time and they are a dog. I will take it. 10* TEMPLE |
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02-03-21 | Seton Hall +1 v. Providence | Top | 60-43 | Win | 100 | 23 h 48 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #681 Wednesday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (+) @ Providence Friars @ 7 ET - When I see two teams with similar records and yet the game is around a pick'em, I will immediately be looking at the road team. In other words the odds makers are telling us who the better team is just by the fact that the road team is not a dog even though they are away from home and facing a team with a similar record. In this case, I was already looking at this game as the Pirates fell just short of the cover for me against Villanova on Saturday. That game saw Seton Hall hurt by one long scoreless drought that ended up being the difference in the game. The fact is the Pirates had 6 more shot attempts from the field in the game but the Wildcats shot a ridiculous 10 of 22 from three point land. Now Seton Hall is taking on a Providence team that has lost 5 of its last 7 and 1 of those 2 wins came in OT! In fact, the Friars are 5-6 in their last 11 games but 3 of the 5 wins came in extra time including one was a double OT game. Included in this stretch was an OT win at Seton Hall and the Pirates will now take advantage of their shot at revenge here. 10* SETON HALL |
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02-02-21 | Butler v. Marquette OVER 129.5 | Top | 67-70 | Win | 100 | 20 h 37 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #603 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Marquette Golden Eagles vs Butler Bulldogs @ 5 ET - This total has been adjusted to low. It has been set low because Butler tends to play lower-scoring games and because the under has cashed 4 straight times and 6 of the last 7 in Marquette games. However, note that the Golden Eagles have allowed at least 68 points in each of their last 5 games. On the season Marquette is allowing 70 points per game. On the other end of the court, this is a team that averages 72 points per game and you can see from that why I am expecting this game to get into the 140 range. Bulldogs games are trending under in a big way with 8 of their last 9 falling short of the total. However, the Golden Eagles will dictate the flow of this game and they have scored at least 76 points in each of their last 4 meetings with Butler. Each of those 4 games totaled at least 133 points and this one will too. 10* OVER the total in Marquette |
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02-01-21 | Georgia Tech +4.5 v. Louisville | Top | 58-74 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 33 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #853 Monday 10* Top Play Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+) @ Louisville Cardinals @ 2 ET - The Yellow Jackets should have Bubba Parham back for this one as he is making the trip to Louisville after missing the last game to attend his cousin's funeral. I like the set up here as this is a classic case of two teams going the opposite direction and this is particularly true as it pertains to the betting window. The Cardinals are off a loss that dropped them to 1-3 SU and ATS in their last 4 games. They scored only 50 points in that game and it was against a Clemson team that just got waxed at Duke. For some more comparative reasoning though that is the same Tigers team that Georgia Tech just beat by 18 points. Also, the Yellow Jackets just beat Florida State by double digits while one of Louisville's 3 recent losses was against the same Seminoles team and they lost by double digits. The Jackets really stepped up without Parham in their most recent game to beat the Noles and now they get a boost with his return. I like those factors as well as the fact we're getting some points here against a team that has not covered any of the last 4 times they were favored in the -3 to -6 range. Cardinals fade continues as the Yellow Jackets improve to 3-0 ATS in their last 3 meetings with Louisville. 10* GEORGIA TECH |
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01-31-21 | St. John's +4.5 v. Marquette | Top | 75-73 | Win | 100 | 5 h 10 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #819 Sunday 10* Top Play St John's Red Storm (+) @ Marquette Golden Eagles @ 3:30 ET - The last time the Red Storm lost a game it was at home against the Golden Eagles by a bucket. The last time Marquette won a game was that tight victory at St John's. The point is that now we get a chance at right back revenge and can ride a hot team and fade a cold team. That said, I like our chances here. In that first match-up the Red Storm actually had 13 more field goal attempts than Marquette but simply had an off shooting night. But this is a St John's team that is now surging with confidence courtesy of a 3-game winning streak and they have won 4 of their last 5 overall and are on a 5-0 ATS run. The Golden Eagles have lost back to back games and 6 of their last 9 SU. During this 9-game run, Marquette has covered just ONCE! Grab the value with the road dog in this one as they are primed for an upset so I will gladly take the points here. 10* ST JOHN'S |
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01-31-21 | Drexel v. James Madison OVER 141 | Top | 64-73 | Loss | -115 | 4 h 3 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #809 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in James Madison Dukes vs Drexel Dragons @ 2 ET - The fact that the Dragons are allowing just 64 points per game this season is a bit of a misnomer as they are allowing 44% shooting from the field. So that is helping to give us line value here because I fully expect the Dukes to score plenty against Drexel in this one. James Madison is at home here and they have averaged 82 points per game at home this season plus shot 48% from the field as a host. As for Drexel, they have averaged 75.6 points per game their last 7 games. James Madison is off an under but this was on the heels of a 5-1 run to the over. Drexel has seen 3 of its last 4 road games go over the total. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in James Madison |
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01-30-21 | Kansas v. Tennessee OVER 130 | Top | 61-80 | Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #713 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tennessee Volunteers vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 6 ET - Where is the motivation to play defense here? This is an SEC-Big 12 match-up and neither team is going anywhere fast this season. Yes I know they are ranked teams but the Jayhawks had lost 3 straight before their win over TCU while Tennessee had endured an unimpressive 3-3 stretch before their win over Mississippi State. Last season when these teams met they had a similar total posted in the 130 range and yet the game totaled 142 points. I expect a similar result this time around too and I love taking advantage of the value in a match-up when both teams are off a very unusual result. In this case, the Vols are off a game that totaled just 109 points after they had allowed more than 70 points in 4 of their most recent 6 games. Also, before the low-scoring win over the Bulldogs, the Volunteers had scored an average of 76.2 points per game their most recent 10 games. The Jayhawks are off a game that totaled just 110 points but that was preceded by Kansas allowing at least 75 points in 3 straight games. Also, the Jayhawks entered that game having scored an average of 72.6 points per game their preceding 5 games. If each team gets into the mid-60s here we can not lose this play and I see no reason each team won't get close to the 70 mark here. 10* OVER the total in Tennessee |
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01-30-21 | Villanova v. Seton Hall +6 | Top | 80-72 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 16 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #648 Saturday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (+) vs Villanova Wildcats @ 3:30 ET - Seton Hall is loaded with seniors and juniors and that is the key to why they will bounce back here. The Pirates just lost an unbelievable game at home against Creighton Wednesday. Seton Hall had a huge lead rather late in the 2nd half and then witnessed a miraculous comeback as the Bluejays just had one of those shooting stretches where they could not miss. A younger team would be in trouble in their next game but Seton Hall is loaded with upperclassmen who know how to respond in a situation like this. The Pirates are at home which helps here and they also have plenty of confidence against the Wildcats. Though only 2-3 SU in the last 5 games against Villanova, Seton Hall has a knack for playing the Cats tough as the 3 losses each came by just 2 points apiece. The Wildcats are off a dominating win versus Providence but that was driven by a 19-9 turnover edge. They won't have that edge against the Pirates and, in fact, the turnovers are about equal in the last 4 meetings between these two teams. I expect Seton Hall to be very focused and motivated at home here after the way they lost to Creighton Wednesday and with the fact this is also a revenge game as the Pirates lost a tight one less than 2 weeks ago at Villanova. Payback time. Grab the generous points. 10* SETON HALL |
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01-29-21 | Detroit v. Youngstown State OVER 150 | Top | 78-75 | Win | 100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #833 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Youngstown State Penguins vs Detroit Mercy Titans @ 5 ET - Both teams off confidence-boosting wins which followed a 2-5 SU run for Detroit and an 0-4 SU run for Youngstown State. That said, I like the value here with the over. The Titans allowed an average of 85 points per game in those 5 losses and the Penguins have allowed 80 points per game their last 5 games. Both teams can be expected to score well based on facing sub-par defensive play plus the fact they each can score quite well and they play at a fast pace. The Titans are averaging 75 points in road games this season and the Penguins are averaging 81 points per game in home games this season and their O/U record is 8-3 this season. 10* OVER the total in Youngstown State |
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01-29-21 | North Texas -7 v. Rice | 79-74 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 20 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #897 Friday 8* North Texas Mean Green @ Rice Owls @ 3 ET - The Owls have 6 players averaging 19 or more minutes per game this season and 3 of them are on the injury report for this game. Evee (covid), Havsa (ankle), and Mullins (toe). That said, this is not an ideal set up for a Rice team that has lost 3 straight games and hosts a North Texas team seeking revenge for a loss in their last visit here. Also, the Mean Green have won 6 of their last 8 games and I have been particularly impressed with their defensive play as they have allowed just 62.8 points per game this season. North Texas has allowed just 49 points per game in their last two games. I know they have had a layoff here between games but that has become the new norm in 2021 and they are rested and ready to go here. Lay it. 8* NORTH TEXAS |
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01-28-21 | Michigan State v. Rutgers -2.5 | Top | 37-67 | Win | 100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
Big Ten Blowout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #720 Thursday 10* Top Play Rutgers Scarlet Knights (-) vs Michigan State Spartans @ 7 ET - The Spartans are 10-0 SU against the Scarlet Knights and yet are the underdog in this match-up! Big mistake by the odds makers, right? Of course not! Long time followers know how I feel about "mistakes" by odds makers and the fact is Rutgers is in the better situation right now and at home and they are catching a Michigan State team that hasn't played in nearly 3 weeks due to covid issues. The Scarlet Knights lost by 23 at Michigan State earlier this month but actually took 10 more shots from the field in that game but simply had one of those games where the hoop seems so small and they could not get shots to drop. Also, Rutgers made a ridiculous 6 of 17 from the free throw line. Yes they are not a good free throw shooting team but they are not normally that bad of course. They are hitting 60.4% from the charity stripe at home games this season. The Scarlet Knights have also faced the tougher schedule than the Spartans this season and enter this game bolstered by a road win at Indiana. 10* RUTGERS |
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01-28-21 | Oregon State v. USC OVER 136 | 62-75 | Win | 100 | 6 h 1 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #713 Thursday 8* OVER the total in USC Trojans vs Oregon State Beavers @ 5 ET - These teams combined for just 114 points when they met earlier this month. The Beavers got the upset win as a nearly double digit dog and I look for another strong game from Oregon State here as they are surging with confidence in the offensive end right now. The Beavers have won 3 straight games, all as an underdog, and they averaged 77.5 points per game in the other two victories. The Trojans, out for revenge here, are averaging 80 points per game when on their home floor this season and I expect them to look to run the Beavers right out of the Galen Center this afternoon in Los Angeles. The over is on a 5-1 run in Oregon State's came with the lone under being the game against Southern Cal. Look for this one to make up for that aberration with a very high-scoring contest. 8* OVER the total in USC |
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01-27-21 | Creighton -1.5 v. Seton Hall | Top | 85-81 | Win | 100 | 8 h 16 m | Show |
Big East Beast - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #669 Wednesday 10* Top Play Creighton Bluejays (-) @ Seton Hall Pirates @ 7 ET - Revenge is often overplayed and I believe that will prove to be the case again here. Many will back Seton Hall seeking revenge for getting blasted at Creighton 3 weeks ago. However, there are multiple problems with that. The Bluejays have now won 3 straight over the Pirates and part of the reason is that it is a match-up issue. Creighton is a 3-point shooting team and Seton Hall tends to struggle to defend the arc. The other issue for the Pirates here is that this will be just their 2nd game played in 18 days as they have been dealing with multiple cancellations. As for the Bluejays, their schedule has been flowing just fine and that means the shots - just like the first meeting - will also be flowing just fine as well. 10* CREIGHTON |
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01-27-21 | Rhode Island v. La Salle OVER 139 | 73-60 | Loss | -112 | 7 h 34 m | Show | |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #657 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in LaSalle Explorers vs Rhode Island Rams @ 5 ET - The Explorers are red hot right now as they are shooting the ball very well and confidence is sky high after back to back wins in which they have averaged 87 points per game. Playing at home this evening means LaSalle will not miss a beat today either. As for Rhode Island, they are off an uncharacteristically low-scoring win in their most recent game which is helping to give us line value here with a rather low total here. The Rams will open things back up here on Wednesday. Rhode Island's 6 games prior to the low-scoring win saw them score an average of 78 points per game and the Explorers sub-par defense and willingness to run and gun means this game turns into a shootout. 8* OVER the total in LaSalle |
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01-26-21 | Southern Illinois v. Indiana State OVER 134.5 | Top | 59-71 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 27 m | Show |
MVC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #603 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indiana State Sycamores vs Southern Illinois Salukis @ 5 ET - Back to back match-up and yesterday's game between these teams had 98 points with about 14 minutes to go. With the game ending 69-66 for a total of 135 points that means the teams combined to average only about 2.5 points per minute over the final 14 minutes of the game. Very unusual and won't be repeated here as the first 26 minutes of the game averaged 3.77 points per minute. It was on pace for about 150 points at that point. We should see at least 140 here. Since the calendar turned the page to 2021, the Sycamores had one low-scoring game that was a complete aberration. In the other 6 games Indiana State has averaged 72 points per game. Southern Illinois has allowed an average of 78 points per game their last 4 games but are a very strong 3-point shooting team and will get their fair share of points in this one too. This total opened up in the upper 130s but has dropped into the mid-130s and is offering excellent line value as a result. 10* OVER the total in Indiana State |
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01-25-21 | Loyola Marymount v. Portland +10 | Top | 75-50 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 32 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #850 Monday 10* Top Play Portland Pilots (+) vs Loyola Marymount Lions @ 5 ET - The Pilots perfectly fit the classic ugly home dog theory. Yes Portland enters this game on a long losing streak but the Pilots are 5-4 SU at home this season and they have revenge from a home loss in the most recent meeting between these West Coast rivals. Inexplicably, the Pilots lost that game to the Lions despite having 20 more shot attempts from the field. It was a terrible shooting nigh for Portland from everywhere on the floor and they lost the game despite only having 9 turnovers while Loyola Marymount actually had 22 turnovers in that game! Coming into this game the Lions are on an overall 0-4 ATS run plus this is a team that has gone 0-4 SU on the road this season. Of course Loyola Marymount is the better team and that is why they are favored big on the road but I feel the points will prove to be far too many and that the Pilots will be tough to put away in this one. I know the Lions rate as the better team defensively but also note that Portland is averaging 76 points per game at home this season while Loyola Marymount is averaging just 61 points in road games. The Lions may defeat the Pilots here but I expect the game to be decided by a very slim margin. 10* PORTLAND |
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01-24-21 | Davidson v. Massachusetts OVER 143.5 | Top | 69-60 | Loss | -109 | 4 h 58 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #813 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Massachusetts Minutemen vs Davidson Wildcats @ Noon ET - The Minutemen are off a 65-46 win so things must be getting much better for UMass in terms of their play on the defensive end, right? No, actually what happened is they faced a Fordham team that is simply awful this season and can not score points. Now Massachusetts faces a solid Davidson team whose games are on an O/U run of 5-2 and they have scored at least 73 points in 6 of those 7 games. They will score plenty against UMass team that is allowing 82 points per game at home this season. The Minutemen are averaging 87.4 points per game this season so you can see the kind of game we should expect here...fast paced with a lot of run and gun. The result should be a solid over in this one. 10* OVER the total in Massachusetts |
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01-23-21 | IUPU Ft Wayne v. Green Bay OVER 150 | 72-87 | Win | 100 | 7 h 39 m | Show | |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #719 Saturday 8* OVER the total in WI-Green Bay Phoenix vs IPFW Mastodons @ 5 ET - SAME PLAY as yesterday as it was an aberration that the Mastodons scored just 59 points on one of the worst defenses in the nation in terms of defensive efficiency. After yesterday's game stayed well under the total, trust me there is a reason this total was posted again in the 150 range for today. The odds makers know yesterday was just an aberration. We'll get payback today and my reasoning for this pick from yesterday still will prove to ring true, albeit a day later. Here is that ORIGINAL write-up: This is a big total but it has dropped from its opening number in the mid-150s and I love the situation here. Green Bay is off back to back losses on the road but now back home where they are scoring an average of 78 points per game this season. As for the defense of the Phoenix, they rank as one of the worst in the nation for defensive efficiency and they face a major challenge here. IPFW is one of the best three point shooting teams in the nation at 44% from beyond the arc and they do not miss a beat when on the road either in terms how well they shoot from outside. The Mastodons are averaging 79 points per game this season and have averaged 86.5 points per game their last 4 games. The Phoenix have scored 85.5 points per game their last two home games. UWGB is allowing 80 points per game this season but is a small home favorite here with good reason. In other words, expect a high-scoring shootout as the Phoenix defense leaves a lot to be desired but the odds maker expect them to battle tooth and nail all the way with IPFW in this one. 8* OVER the total in Wisconsin-Green Bay |
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01-23-21 | Providence v. Villanova OVER 138.5 | 56-71 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 57 m | Show | |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #651 Saturday 8* OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Providence Friars @ 2:30 ET - Villanova seeking revenge for losing at home to the Friars last season and being held to just 54 points in that game. Prior to that low-scoring loss, the Wildcats match-ups with Providence in Philly had seen the over on a 9-2 run the last 11. The Cats are favored by double digits here for good reason as they are looking to put a thrashing on the Friars and that will mean plenty of points here. The over is 4-0 in the Wildcats last 4 games and they have scored at least 85 points in 3 of those games. The Friars are off an under but that was the first one for Providence in their last 6 road games. They averaged scoring 73 points per game in those half dozen away match-ups. More of the same here and this one should fly over the total as a result. 8* OVER the total in Villanova |
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01-22-21 | IUPU Ft Wayne v. Green Bay OVER 152 | Top | 59-77 | Loss | -109 | 6 h 38 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #831 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in WI-Green Bay Phoenix vs IPFW Mastodons @ 5 ET - This is a big total but it has dropped from its opening number in the mid-150s and I love the situation here. Green Bay is off back to back losses on the road but now back home where they are scoring an average of 78 points per game this season. As for the defense of the Phoenix, they rank as one of the worst in the nation for defensive efficiency and they face a major challenge here. IPFW is one of the best three point shooting teams in the nation at 44% from beyond the arc and they do not miss a beat when on the road either in terms how well they shoot from outside. The Mastodons are averaging 79 points per game this season and have averaged 86.5 points per game their last 4 games. The Phoenix have scored 85.5 points per game their last two home games. UWGB is allowing 80 points per game this season but is a small home favorite here with good reason. In other words, expect a high-scoring shootout as the Phoenix defense leaves a lot to be desired but the odds maker expect them to battle tooth and nail all the way with IPFW in this one. 10* OVER the total in Wisconsin-Green Bay |
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01-20-21 | St. Joe's v. George Mason UNDER 149 | Top | 85-87 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #684 Tuesday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in George Mason Patriots vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 7 ET - This total has climbed from the mid-140s to the 150 range and I certainly understand the move based on the Hawks defensive woes this season and they are coming off a very high-scoring game. However, George Mason is going to dictate the flow of this game at home and they are off an 80-60 road loss that will bring out the best in terms of their effort on defense in this one. The Patriots are allowing just 64 points per game when at home and the O/U is 0-5-1 as a host this season. Yes, no overs in a half dozen home games this season for George Mason. Also, they allowed just 42 points to LaSalle in their most recent home game. That is the same Explorers team that just put up 90 on the Hawks! The point is that the Patriots can play a little defense. As for St Joseph's, as bad as their full season numbers are on on defense, Hawks games have stayed under the total each of the last 3 times they were off a game in which they allowed 83 or more points. That is the situation here and all signs point to this total offering solid value on the short side. 10* UNDER the total in George Mason |
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01-19-21 | Buffalo v. Kent State OVER 162 | Top | 81-84 | Win | 100 | 6 h 22 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #603 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kent State Golden Flashes vs Buffalo Bulls @ 5 ET - The Bulls are scoring an average of 83 points per game on the road this season and the Golden Flashes are scoring an average of 86 points per game at home this season. Yes this is a high total but based on those numbers you can see exactly why that is. Also, as crazy as those numbers are it gets even crazier. Why? Because Buffalo has allowed only 26.6% shooting from beyond the arc this season and yet they are allowing 78 points per game when on the road. Imagine if they face a team actually knocking down threes! Kent State also has some strong defensive numbers but they still are allowing 69 points per game this season. That said, and with how fast these teams play, I am expecting an absolute shootout in this one. The Bulls are off a loss in which they were held to just 69 points but this followed 4 straight games in which Buffalo scored at least 85 points. As for the Golden Flashes, they have scored at least 80 points in 4 straight games and averaged 86 points per game in doing so. This could very easily end up in the 170s. The Bulls are off an under but previously were 5-0 to the over this season. 10* OVER the total in Kent State |
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01-18-21 | St. Joe's v. La Salle OVER 145 | Top | 83-90 | Win | 100 | 5 h 34 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #865 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in LaSalle Explorers vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 4 ET - LaSalle is off a ridiculous performance at home where they scored just 53 points. Now they are home again and, prior to that, the Explorers had scored and average of 76.5 points per game at home this season. This is an all-Philly match-up and I expect it to bring out the best in both teams. The problem for LaSalle is they can stop nobody and they have allowed an average of 78.3 points per game their last 3 games. The Hawks have allowed an average of 85.3 points per game this season so they are not exactly known for their defensive prowess either. The O/U is 5-1 in St Joseph's road game this season. The Hawks have scored an average of only 70.5 points per game this season but will take advantage of recent poor play in the defensive end for the Explorers. This match-up is part of The Philadelphia 5 or the Big 5 in Philly and each team will be looking to one up the other and 3 of the last 4 meetings between these foes have gone over the total. Also, 6 of the last 9 at Tom Gola Arena have gone over the total. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in LaSalle |
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01-17-21 | Virginia Tech v. Wake Forest OVER 139.5 | Top | 64-60 | Loss | -112 | 7 h 5 m | Show |
Total Blowout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Virginia Tech Hokies @ 6 ET - The Demon Deacons have seen each of their last 3 games go over the total. Defensively they have not impressed as Wake Forest has not been generating many turnovers and also they have allowed an average of 74 points per game their last 4 games. Speaking of sub-par defense we might see a bit of a dropoff here from the Hokies. Not only is Virginia Tech off a big win versus Duke, they also have dominated Wake Forest in recent meetings. Also, the Demon Deacons enter this game on a losing streak which makes it easier to overlook them especially after a big win over the Blue Devils. That said, I am expecting a rather free flowing game and the over is 7-0 in the Hokies last 7 games! With all this over trending and the Hokies scoring well and the Demon Deacons generally scoring better when at home, you have all the right ingredients for the home dog to hang around in this one and turn it into a high-scoring shootout. The Hokies could pull away late for a bigger margin so my play here is the over rather than the side and I expect quite a shootout. Virginia Tech has averaged 83.5 points in their last two meetings with Wake Forest plus enters this game averaging 80.5 points per game their last 6 games overall. 10* OVER the total in Wake Forest |
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01-16-21 | Davidson v. La Salle OVER 133 | Top | 77-53 | Loss | -111 | 4 h 52 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #657 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in LaSalle Explorers vs Davidson Wildcats @ 2 ET - LaSalle is off a horrible effort in their most recent game but that was on the road at George Mason. The Explorers scored just 49 points in that game but now they are back home in Philadelphia where they have averaged 76.5 points per game their last 4 games. The problem for LaSalle is their defensive play and that is the part of the reason they were on a 4-0 run to the over before the loss to the Patriots. As for Davidson, they have scored 74 points or more in 4 of their last 5 games and those 4 went 4-0 to the over. With the Explorers scoring much better at home but their defense unable to stop the Wildcats, I feel this is absolutely a bargain number on this low total which is in the 133 range. 10* OVER the total in LaSalle |
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01-15-21 | Marshall v. Western Kentucky OVER 150 | Top | 73-81 | Win | 100 | 6 h 20 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #841 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Marshall Thundering Herd @ 5 ET - The Hilltoppers are off an ugly home loss in which they were held to 58 points. The only other time Western Kentucky was held below 60 points they exploded for 96 points in their next game and it flew over the total. I look for a big response from the Hilltoppers here on the offensive end but don't be surprised if Marshall scores plenty as well. The Thundering Herd have scored 80 or more points in 7 of their last 8 games. This one has the makings of a game that could get into the 160s and yet the total is in the 150 range. I know that total may seem a little big on the surface but you can see from the above why I am expecting much more as the situation is ideal and I also like the fact that both of these teams have struggled to defend the 3-ball this season. Marshall is making 35% of threes on the road this season but also allowing 35% on the season. Western Kentucky is making only 32% of their threes at home this season but should improve on that given the situation and given facing the Thundering Herd perimeter defenders. The weakness for the Hilltoppers is they are allowing 39% from the 3-point land. It should be raining threes tonight plus we should see a fast-paced game as Marshall plays quick and the host is ready to play fast and bounce back from a rare dismal effort on the offensive end. 10* OVER the total in Western Kentucky |
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01-14-21 | Santa Clara v. Pacific +3 | Top | 58-79 | Win | 100 | 5 h 35 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #716 Thursday 10* Top Play Pacific Tigers @ 5 ET - I fully understand the line move here. Pacific hasn't played in a very long time and has only played one game in about 6 weeks. So I get it. But this is a Tigers team that went 11-5 in conference action last season and Santa Clara went just 6-10 in conference games last season. Not only that, the Broncos have only played 1 conference game this season. The point is that Pacific isn't that far behind everyone else in terms of conference games played and they are raring to go for their conference opener and they are at home and it is a day game. This is a very competitive team with a lot of heart and passion for the game. Having them at a home dog in this spot is something I won't pass up on. The Broncos are a decent program but I still expect more from Pacific than Santa Clara by the time this season goes into the books. As for this match-up in particular, even if the Tigers start a little slow they will eventually get back into a good rhythm within this game and on their home floor. The Tigers catch the Broncos off an upset win at St Mary's and that make this a great spot to fade them. Santa Clara was off back to back losses by double digit margins prior to that win over the Gaels. 10* PACIFIC |
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01-13-21 | La Salle v. George Mason OVER 135 | Top | 42-75 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 9 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #673 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in George Mason Patriots vs LaSalle Explorers @ 7 ET - The Patriots will be ready for an offensive explosion here. George Mason has faced 3 straight particularly tough match-ups with Dayton, Virginia Commonwealth, and Richmond. Prior to that, the Patriots were averaging 74.5 points per game this season and that was even with leading scorer Jordan Miller missing two of those games! George Mason will absolutely take advantage of a step down in level of competition in this one and I expect a high-scoring match-up. The last time these teams met in Philly the game only totaled 139 points but that is still enough for our purposes here plus this one is in Fairfax, VA where the last meeting totaled 160 points! LaSalle enters this game having gone over the total in 4 straight games. The Explorers enter this game having scored at least 67 points in 5 straight games and they have averaged 73 points during this stretch. LaSalle has shot the 3-ball well this season and the Patriots have struggled to defend the 3-ball so the match-up sets up well for the road team to score plenty but the home team is favored here with good reason. In other words, plenty of points expected in this one! 10* OVER the total in George Mason |
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01-12-21 | St. Joe's v. Davidson OVER 144 | Top | 66-80 | Win | 100 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #609 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Davidson Wildcats vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 7 ET - Davidson is off a loss but now can take out their frustration on a St Joseph's team that does not play defense but is off their first win of the season. The Hawks won because they are at home and facing Albany. Now St Joseph's is on the road where they have allowed 90 points per game this season! Not only that, they face a Wildcats team that won't take their foot off the gas here. Prior to a loss to Dayton Friday, the Wildcats were on a 5-2 run. St Joseph's had allowed at least 80 points in all their games this season until the win over Albany. The Hawks getting a win could help them a little with confidence in the offensive end but their porous defensive play insures a run and gun type affair here. Adding to the likelihood of "no mercy" from the Wildcats here is the fact that Davidson lost to the Hawks in Philly in the teams most recent meeting. Now they meet up at John M. Belk Arena and the over is a perfect 5-0 when the Wildcats have hosted St Joseph's. Look for that perfect streak to remain intact when the final horn sounds on this one. 10* OVER the total in Davidson |
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01-11-21 | Connecticut v. DePaul +5.5 | Top | 60-53 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #866 Monday 10* Top Play DePaul Blue Demons (+) vs Connecticut Huskies @ 6 ET - The set up here is a perfect one. The Huskies blasted the Blue Demons by 21 points when these teams met earlier this season but that was at Connecticut and DePaul simply had an off shooting game. Now the Blue Demons are at home plus star Huskies guard James Bouknight might miss this game. He scored 20 in the first meeting but is dealing with an elbow injury now. With UConn not scheduled to play again until a week from tonight it would make the most sense for the Huskies to keep him out of tonight's game and try to get better recovery for him before putting Bouknight back in game action. That said, the play here is the hungry home underdog that is entering this game off a home loss. The Blue Demons are playing just their 3rd home game of the season and do shoot better at home plus have more confidence on their home floor. It all adds up to substantial line value here with DePaul now catching nearly a half dozen points in this one. You have a 1-loss team facing a 1-win team here and this is going to get the attention of the betting markets and I love fading the masses here given the above situational value aspects we have in play for this one. The Huskies are off back to back road wins and I foresee a let up here while the hungry Blue Demons respond off of 3 straight losses including a home defeat and, in the process, get some revenge too. If the host does fall short I expect it to be by the slimmest of margins. Grab the points. 10* DEPAUL |
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01-10-21 | Bradley v. Northern Iowa OVER 136.5 | Top | 72-78 | Win | 100 | 6 h 40 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #829 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Northern Iowa Panthers vs Bradley Braves @ 4 ET - I have successfully used this theory multiple times this season and will do so again here. With covid impacting scheduling you are seeing some teams go a long stretch without playing a game. I actually like playing an over after a stretch like this because teams struggle with defensive assignments and the game tends to have a disjointed flow which leads to a lot of buckets in transition and more scoring than many would expect in this situation. Bradley hasn't played since before Christmas and that was a 54-53 loss to Missouri. That low-scoring result is helping to give us line value with this total here. From a pacing standpoint, both of these teams are in the range of taking 60 shots per game and allowing 60 shots per game. That kind of a pace gets us well past the total posted on this game. Bradley has simply been fortunate that they allowed only 34.7% shooting from the field so far this season. They won't get that number here. Northern Iowa is averaging 81 points per game at home this season on 46% shooting from the field. That is even with the Panthers not shooting the ball well from 3-point land at home and you know that will turn as they have uncharacteristically been shooting the 3-ball better on the road than at home this season. So the shooters are there and they will start connecting more and, off back to back road losses, Northern Iowa responds big at home where they have thrived this season in terms of scoring and that includes 85 points in their most recent game. The Braves, before the ugly game with Missouri, had gone through a stretch of 6 games in which they averaged 85 points per game. This total has dropped from the 140 range down to the mid-130s and I feel we have excellent line value here with the over as I expect a lot of open looks as Bradley adjusts after the long layoff and this game won't see the best in terms of defensive intensity. 10* OVER the total in Northern Iowa |
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01-09-21 | La Salle v. Massachusetts OVER 145 | Top | 67-83 | Win | 100 | 6 h 42 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #689 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Massachusetts Minutemen vs LaSalle Explorers @ 4 ET - The over is 5-0 in UMass games this season. The Minutemen are averaging 86.8 points per game but they struggle on the defensive end and that includes allowing 42% from 3-point land when at home. That spells bad news against a LaSalle team that is knocking down 40% of their three pointers this season. The Explorers come into this game with plenty of confidence too as they just thrashed Fordham by a score of 89-52 in their most recent game. The over is 3-0 in LaSalle's last 3 games and UMass is allowing 88.3 points per game when at home this season. This one should turn into an absolute track meet and yet we have a very manageable total to work with in this one as it is in the mid-140s. I will take advantage here. 10* OVER the total in Massachusetts |
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01-08-21 | Purdue +5.5 v. Michigan State | Top | 55-54 | Win | 100 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #859 Friday 10* Top Play Purdue Boilermakers (+) @ Michigan State Spartans @ 7 ET - Both these teams have been struggling ATS and I have no hesitation in fading a ranked Michigan State team in this one. The Spartans are ranked and at home and yet opened up as a rather small favorite here. Sure enough the early market move here is on Michigan State and yet, prior to back to back wins, the Spartans had lost 3 straight games SU. Also, prior to a rare cover in their most recent game, Michigan State had failed to cover 7 straight games! As noted above, Purdue has also had ATS problems this season but I like the fact the Boilermakers are off back to back SU losses for the first time this season. They are in the perfect bounce back spot here considering the situation and they have won each of their last two meetings with Michigan State. The Boilermakers also have played the tougher schedule so far this season and I feel the betting markets aren't properly factoring that in as they pound the Spartans here. We have excellent line value here with Michigan State off a huge blowout win where everything went right while Purdue is off back to back losses. By the way, the Spartans have a huge game on deck with red hot Iowa so this is a good spot for the Boilermakers from a situational advantage too. 10* PURDUE |
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01-07-21 | Iowa v. Maryland +6 | Top | 89-67 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #730 Thursday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 7 ET - The Terrapins are off back to back losses and have not lost 3 straight games all season. Maryland had a great first half at Indiana on Monday but then fell apart in the 2nd half of the game. Fired up about the horrific 2nd half on the road against the Hoosiers, the Terps respond in a big way at home on Thursday. I know Iowa ranks as one of the top teams in the nation but they are on the road and off a hard-fought 2-point win in their most recent game. Also, the Hawkeyes have one Big Ten loss this season and it came at Minnesota. Up next for Iowa is a home game against, you guessed it, the Golden Gophers. That said, I really like the situational value here with the home dog Terrapins in this one. This is particularly true as the line on the Hawkeyes has been climbing this morning and Iowa is now favored by as many as a half dozen points in this one. We're getting some line value here because of the way Maryland's most recent game finished so poorly for them in the 2nd half. That said, we won't see that happen again here as now the Terrapins are at home and also lost their most recent home game against a red hot Michigan team. The situation is perfect for a home dog bounce back here and I would not be surprised to see an outright upset here but will grab the points just in case the Terrapins fall just short. 10* MARYLAND |
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01-05-21 | Iowa State v. Texas OVER 139.5 | Top | 72-78 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #625 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas Longhorns vs Iowa State Cyclones @ 8 ET - Perfect set-up for a high-scoring game. Texas is off a huge win at Kansas where they held the Jayhawks to just 59 points at Allen Fieldhouse and rolled to a massive 25-point margin of victory. Undoubtedly after that strong effort and big upset win, there will be some let-up in defensive intensity in this one for the Longhorns. That said, the Cyclones are hitting 47% from the field this season and should have a big game on the offensive end. However, on the other end of the floor, against teams not named Arkansas-Pine Bluff or Jackson State, note that Iowa State is allowing 79 points per game this season. The Cyclones will struggle to stop UT on their home floor and the Horns are averaging 78.5 points per game their last 4 games. Iowa State did score 81 points in the most recent meeting between these teams and has averaged 68.5 points per game in their last two visits to Austin. In other words, solid potential for an 80-70 type game here but we're seeing a total that is below that by double digits based on the betting markets! Lets grab the corresponding value and go with a best bet here on this one. 10* OVER the total in Iowa State |
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01-04-21 | Maryland +5 v. Indiana | Top | 55-63 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 52 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #869 Monday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Indiana Hoosiers @ 8 ET - The Terrapins are off a double digit home loss to Michigan and have had to wait 3 full days for this chance to atone for that defeat. Maryland has held the upper hand in this series and has beaten Indiana 3 straight times. The Hoosiers are priced this way today because they are at home but this situation should favor the hungry road dog. Indiana comes into this game quite content after finally getting a W in their most recent game, albeit by only a bucket versus Penn State. That, however, was preceded by B2B losses for the Hoosiers and, overall, they have failed to cover in 3 straight games. I look for that trend to reach 4 straight games with another ATS loss here. The Terps were off B2B covers before the loss to the Wolverines who continue a surprisingly impressive start to the season. That said, lets not put too much weight into that loss and I look for the hungry Terrapins to bounce right back here. 10* MARYLAND |
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01-03-21 | Northwestern +9 v. Michigan | Top | 66-85 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 48 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher - Michigan has my respect but they are a little overvalued here based on their hot start to the season. Keep in mind, the Wolverines finished in the lower half of the Big Ten and were projected to again finish there this season. In the early going this season they are 8-0 and they are off a big win at Maryland. That is helping lead to line value here because Northwestern is improved this season but coming off a loss to a very strong Iowa team. Look for the Wildcats to bounce back here and they have been the better 3-point shooting team in comparison with Michigan early this season and also have defended the arc better as well so far in this campaign. That said, the Wolverines might still win this but only by a bucket or two and I like the value with the hungry road dog coming off a loss. Michigan also has another big game, Minnesota, on deck. 10* NORTHWESTERN |
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01-02-21 | Iowa v. Rutgers +3.5 | Top | 77-75 | Win | 100 | 4 h 46 m | Show |
ESPN Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #634 Saturday 10* Top Play Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+) vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 2 ET - I don't expect Ron Harper Jr to miss another game. I am well aware of his ankle injury situation. Even if Harper does miss this one note that Mathis really stepped up in his absence in the win over Purdue a few days ago. Overall this Rutgers team has great depth in the backcourt so they can get the job done here even without Harper but I am expecting him back here. This is a scrappy Scarlet Knights team that hung it's hat on defense and playing hard last season. This season they have been more about the offensive production but still their defensive numbers are more impressive than that of Iowa. Of course the Hawkeyes offensive production has been incredible again this season but this is still a team that is allowing opponents to hit 35.3% from beyond the arc plus that lost 2 of 3 games preceding the home win versus Northwestern a few days ago. Rutgers has revenge from losing a tight one at Iowa in their most recent meeting. Speaking of tight ones, the Scarlet Knights have a 6-2 ATS record against the Hawkeyes because they have historically played them tough and I look for that to continue here. Not only that, this is the best Rutgers team we have seen in many seasons and they are at home and, after the line move toward Iowa, the Scarlet Knights are now catching 3.5 points in this one. This looks like a great spot for the scrappy underdog! I'll take it! 10* RUTGERS |
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01-01-21 | Old Dominion +1.5 v. Florida International | Top | 67-82 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #873 Friday 10* Top Play Old Dominion Monarchs (+) @ Florida International Golden Panthers @ 7 ET - This line opened up with Old Dominion favored by about a bucket and now they are an underdog by about a bucket. Long time followers know I love fading the moves in situations like this and this one certainly fits the bill nicely. Florida International beat Old Dominion when these teams last met about a year ago and that makes this a revenge spot. Also, the Monarchs have played the tougher schedule so far this season so, in my opinion, they are more battle tested and proven than the Golden Panthers. I also like the fact that FIU is off a huge win over an overmatched opponent (Carver Bible!) but that followed losses in 2 of their 3 immediately preceding games. Also, the Golden Panthers allowed 84 points per game in those 3 games. Note that Old Dominion has allowed 66 points or less in 3 of their last 4 games and their only loss during that stretch was to a tough VCU team. Fade the line move here and grab the road dog. 10* OLD DOMINION |
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12-31-20 | Michigan v. Maryland +2 | Top | 84-73 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #738 Thursday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) vs Michigan Wolverines @ 8 ET - The Wolverines are ranked and 7-0 this season plus playing with revenge from losing the most recent match-up between these teams. The Terrapins are off an upset win at Wisconsin which was preceded by losing 3 of 4 games. In other words, this seems like the perfect situation for the Wolverines and yet the line opened up as only a pick'em in this game. Get the feeling someone knows something? Exactly! The odds makers are very sharp and they set this line this way for a reason. Of course the markets are jumping all over it and the line is now up to a -2 on Michigan. I will gladly go with home dog Maryland in this one. The Terrapins actually will use the one over the Badgers to get a jump start with their momentum and between December 22nd and January 7th this is the only home game for the Terps. That said, they definitely want to make the most of it and I look for them to play with plenty of confidence here following the big win at Madison. Also, Michigan has not been a dog all season and has been favored by at least 7 points in all games. Conversely, this is the 4th time already that the Terrapins have been a dog and, also, the Terps were a very short favorite one time too. Suffice to say it is the home dog that has played the tougher schedule so far this season and that helps our cause here too. They are battle tested. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-30-20 | Seton Hall +2.5 v. Xavier | Top | 85-68 | Win | 100 | 6 h 2 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #685 Wednesday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (+) @ Xavier Musketeers @ 7 ET - Bad news for Xavier here. This game is at Cincinnati! But in all seriousness, the road team has won and covered 4 straight in meetings between these two and I am looking for that trend to continue here in a big way on Wednesday. The Pirates have revenge from losing at home to the Musketeers in their most recent meeting and now they can return the favor here right before the New Year. Seton Hall's only loss (SU or ATS) in their last 6 games was the loss to Xavier. That said, I am looking for revenge bounce back here as the Pirates improve to an overall 6-1 SU/ATS their last 7 games with an upset win here at the Cintas Center. Look for Xavier to suffer "unbeaten letdown" here as they were a perfect 8-0 on the season entering their last game but then got upended by Creighton. In typical contrarian fashion, I am playing on a 4-loss team that is on the road and facing a 1-loss team and yet with a spread of only 2.5 on the game. Something looks "fishy" doesn't it? Of course you know what that usually means! Lets fade the masses here and look for a huge game from the Pirates in this one. 10* SETON HALL |
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12-28-20 | Drake v. Indiana State +4.5 | Top | 73-66 | Loss | -109 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #824 Monday 10* Top Play Indiana State Sycamores (+) vs Drake Bulldogs @ 5 ET - The Bulldogs are now 10-0 this season after beating the Sycamores by 18 points yesterday. The key for Drake was dominating the boards plus knocking down 9 of 18 three pointers. The fact is that they opened as a small favorite here despite being undefeated on the season. Long time followers know I am a contrarian and grabbing Indiana State in this spot is certainly going against the grain. Yes I know they are only 3-3 on the season but they have played a tougher schedule than Drake and it will be tough for the Bulldogs to beat them easily on consecutive days. I expect Indiana State to win outright but am happy to grab the points as any Sycamores loss is likely to be much closer than yesterday's result. I like the fact that Indiana State did a much better job of getting to the free throw line in yesterday's game. More of the same expected here and I am fading the 10-0 team and expecting an outright underdog upset in this one. Grab the points here. 10* INDIANA STATE |
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12-25-20 | Iowa v. Minnesota +7 | Top | 95-102 | Win | 100 | 29 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #758 Friday 10* Top Play Minnesota Golden Gophers (+) vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 8 ET - The first time the Golden Gophers got tested this season it was a disaster but that was on the road as they got hammered at Illinois. After that wake-up call, I look for Minnesota to respond much better the 2nd time around and it certainly helps that they are at home this time. This line opened up at a 5 and then flew up to as high as a 7 as of Thursday afternoon. I love fading the line move here. Certainly I understand the move as the Hawkeyes are a great team but also this is a potential trouble spot for them. Iowa is off a dominating win versus Purdue and that was a bounce back game for them after they had lost to Gonzaga in their prior game. Now the Hawkeyes are in a potential flat spot and playing their 3rd game since the 19th while the rested Golden Gophers are playing for just the 2nd time since the 20th. Of course it goes without saying that the highly-ranked Hawkeyes are the better team but this is one of those situational plays that is loaded with value and is too good to pass up on. The Golden Gophers lost by just 3 points to the Hawkeyes last season at home and the prior season when they hosted Iowa they got the win. Grab the big dog value here and fade the line move as the high-scoring Hawkeyes are not going to go away without a fight in this one. An outright upset certainly would not be a complete shock and even if the home dog does fall short here I expect it to be by just a bucket or two. 10* MINNESOTA |
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12-23-20 | UMKC v. St. Louis OVER 134 | Top | 46-62 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #727 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs UMKC Roos @ 8 ET - This total has dropped from an opener of 139 down to a 134 and it was already offering value on the over at the opening number! That said, we have exceptional value now. I know that the University of Missouri - Kansas City is not a high level college basketball program BUT even in their games against tougher competition they have scored "okay". In their 4 lined games this season UMKC has scored an average of 60.5 points per game. The line on this game is in the 23 point range. So even if UMKC scores only 60 in this game you're still talking about a game that is likely to get into the 140s here as the Billikens should get into the 80s. That is certainly not far-fetched either as St Louis, even with games against stiffer competition too, has scored at least 78 points in all 7 of their games this season. The Billikens are coming off their first loss of the season and so I don't foresee them taking their foot off the gas in this game. In other words, given the opportunity to win this game in blowout fashion, I look for St Louis to do just that. STL has averaged 87 points per game this season and the Roos have never scored less than 57 points in any game this season. Big home blowout here and that means an easy over. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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12-22-20 | East Tennessee State +15 v. Alabama | Top | 69-85 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #667 Tuesday 10* Top Play East Tennessee State Buccaneers (+) @ Alabama Crimson Tide @ 7:30 ET - The Crimson Tide are off a loss but actually are now 1-5 ATS their last 6 games and have lost 2 of their last 3 SU. Additionally, this is their final game before Christmas and the SEC schedule beckons after that. In other words, how focused can they really be here? Exactly! That said, I look for the Buccaneers to surprise in this one. Even though they lost a lot of talent from last season's team and have a new coach, they did reload with solid talented newcomers including a number of Division I transfers. Additionally, their coach was not new to the program, he had already been with them. That said, after getting throttled in their season opener (an excellent wake-up call) I like what I have seen from East Tennessee State. They have won 4 of their last 5 games and their only 2 losses since the season opener have come by a combined margin of only 5 points. ETSU is in the same conference as Furman and they are two of the top teams in the Southern Conference. What does that have to do with this game? Furman recently played Alabama and they lost by just 3 points. I look for a much tighter game here than many are expecting. If you look at the offensive shooting percentages of these two teams, Alabama and East Tennessee State are nearly identical. On the other end of the floor, the Crimson Tide are allowing 43% from the field while the Bucs are allowing just 36% from the field. I also expected ETSU to be the more motivated team here and I like the way the players have responded to their new head coach this season. Ever since game one of the season, East Tennessee State has been very competitive and I fully expect that to continue here as Alabama continues to be inconsistent and will struggle to pull away in this game. Grab the big points with the motivated big dog as the Buccaneers are looking to make the most of this opportunity against an SEC program. 10* EAST TENNESSEE STATE |
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12-21-20 | St. Joe's +22 v. Tennessee | Top | 66-102 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 45 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #773 Monday 10* Top Play St Joseph's Hawks (+) @ Tennessee Volunteers @ 6 ET - The Volunteers are 4-0 both SU and ATS but have played a much weaker schedule than the Hawks have faced. St Joseph's is 0-4 SU on the season but this will be the 4th time in 5 games that they have been a sizable underdog. This is too many points in my opinion. I know the Hawks are allowing a ton of points this season but they also can score well as they have plenty of starting experience on this team. St Joseph's is averaging 77 points per game on the season and Tennessee has another game scheduled for Wednesday. In other words, the Volunteers will want to save a little in tank for that game. That said, with a huge lead the Vols will take their foot off the gas and St Joseph's has enough scoring firepower to make plenty of runs in this game. The Hawks, if it comes down to it, can absolutely get in the backdoor here with this pointspread in the low 20s. The Volunteers are a high-quality team but they are being over-valued here because of their strong ATS start this season. Grab the big dog value on the other side in this one. 10* ST JOSEPH'S |
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12-19-20 | St. Joe's v. Villanova OVER 151 | Top | 68-88 | Win | 100 | 16 h 19 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #685 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 9 ET - This series has trended under including each of the last two meetings. However, in the recent meetings both teams shot poorly from three point land in each game. I simply can't see that case being again a 3rd time in a row in which neither team shoots well from beyond the arc. Both teams this season are allowing high percentages from 3-point land and note that St Joseph's is allowing 90.3 points per game this season. The Hawks have a veteran group of players and have scored an average of 80 points per game this season but they can't stop anyone and that trend continues here. This is a Philly match-up that will bring out the best in both teams and Villanova has played only one 'grinder' this season and that was a 68-64 win at Texas. In their other games this season they have averaged 80 points per game and, as shown already this season, the Hawks defense won't put up much resistance here. Look for the Wildcats to get at least 90 here and St Joseph's (based on this line in the 22 range) should get to the 70 point mark in a free-flowing game with plenty of offense. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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12-18-20 | Loyola-Chicago +3.5 v. Richmond | Top | 73-75 | Win | 100 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #855 Friday 10* Top Play Loyola Chicago Ramblers (+) vs Richmond Spiders @ 6 PM ET - This is a neutral site game being played in Indiana but that location still favors the Ramblers plus lets not forget they have an extra day of rest compared to the Spiders heading into this game. Also, I like the fact that Richmond is off a win that saw them bounce back from their first loss of the season while Loyola now enters this game off their first loss of the season. Also, even though they lost at Wisconsin, Loyola Chicago played quite well and the key difference was 3-point shooting. The Badgers shot a ridiculous 56% from beyond the arc in that game. The Ramblers played well overall and, had they shot the same percent from 3 point land that Wisconsin did, they would have won the game outright and they were a 7 point dog in that one. Here Loyola is a much smaller dog but I sense an upset is coming in this one. Richmond really misses guard Nick Sherod (out for the season - knee). Of course the Spiders are still a very talented and experienced team but so too are the Ramblers. Also, Loyola is shooting better from three point land than Richmond is plus they are allowing only a 39.4 field goal percentage while the Spiders are allowing 44.4% from the field so far this season. With this line having gone from a 2 to as high as a 3.5 in early market activity, there is even more value in a game I am expecting the Ramblers to win outright. 10* Loyola (IL) Chicago Ramblers |
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12-17-20 | St. Joe's v. Drexel OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-81 | Win | 100 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #785 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Saint Joseph's Hawks vs Drexel Dragons @ 6 ET - Both of these teams rated poorly last season in terms of defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hawks rated very high nationally in adjusted pace. St Joseph's likes to apply pressure on defense and then get quick looks on offense. That said, I am looking for a high-scoring game between these two Philly foes as they try to outdo each other playing for Philly pride in this one. Saint Joseph's has had a lot of cancellations in this pandemic-impacted season. That said, the Hawks could be a little off on matching up properly defensively and defensive switches and problems like this will lead to plenty of open looks and drives to the basket for the Drexel. The Hawks first two games both flew over the total and St Joseph's allowed an average of 95 points per game in those two. Saint Joe's did average 81.5 points per game in those two and they should have no trouble against the normally porous defense of the Dragons. I know that Drexel is off a low-scoring game and has played a stretch of low-scoring contests that easily stayed under the total. However, that has had a lot to do with the level of competition they were facing. Their only game against a quality opponent saw the Dragons lose 83 to 74 at Pittsburgh. That said, there is great value with this total posted in the mid-140s in my opinion. This game should have plenty of open looks and a good tempo and the shooters will take advantage. Should be a rather wide-open game with the Hawks struggling some due to all the time off so it will play out a little more like 'playground basketball' and again this Philly guys will be looking to outdo each other on the offensive end in what should be quite the entertaining game. That is why the spread on this game is nearly a pick'em as it will be a back and forth game that could go either way in terms of the side but look for points aplenty based on all of the above. 10* OVER the total in Drexel |
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12-16-20 | Duke v. Notre Dame +4 | Top | 75-65 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #694 Wednesday 10* Top Play Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 9 ET - Duke blasted Notre Dame again last season and has now won the last two meetings by an average margin of 28 points per game. Additionally, the Blue Devils are a ranked team heading into this game while the Fighting Irish are projected to finish near the bottom of the ACC again this season. That said, this line opened up at a 3.5 and appeared to be a gift to those wanting to back Duke, right? Well you know what that usually means and, in this match-up there is definitely more than meets the eye. First off Duke big man Jalen Johnson is out with an injury. He was leading the teams in blocks, tied for team lead in rebounds, and one of the top scorers for the Blue Devils. That holds even more significance here because Notre Dame has been getting big games from 6'10 Nate Laszewski both on the boards and in terms of scoring. He should have a big game here and I also like the fact the Blue Devils have had a lot of recent cancellations and will be playing for the first time in over a week. Also, the Fighting Irish have played the tougher schedule early this season. Revenge game and the home team wants this one badly. Grab the points. 10* NOTRE DAME |
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12-16-20 | Butler v. Villanova OVER 131.5 | Top | 66-85 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #677 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs @ 7 ET - The Bulldogs always seem to surprise no matter their talent level. But in this particular match-up they have had far too much time off without games this season and it will make them a little sloppy here. I don't expect a very structured game and expect a lot more up and down fast-paced run and gun type style here. The Wildcats will force the tempo here as they look to get revenge for losing the most recent match-up between these teams. That was last season and both meetings last season did go over the total and this one should as well. Villanova is averaging 77.2 points per game game this season and shooting quite well. As for Butler we don't have much to look at yet for this season but we know what this team likes to do historically and expect them to surprise some people in hanging around in games many don't expect them to. They are a scrappy team and if they hang tight in this one (close to the spread posted on this game) and Nova finishes close to their scoring average you are looking at a 77 to 64 game and that puts this game about 10 points over where the total is set at. That is what I expect here as Villanova has averaged 77 points per game in the last 4 meetings between these teams plus is averaging 77 points per game this season. Also, as per usual, the Bulldogs will put up a fight against the Wildcats here. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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12-15-20 | Indiana State v. St. Louis OVER 140 | Top | 59-78 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 38 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #629 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs Indiana State Sycamores @ 8 ET - The Billikens are playing with a ton of confidence and scoring plenty of points and that continues here as they are at home against Indiana State Tuesday evening. St Louis games are a perfect 4-0 to the over this season thanks in part to the Billikens averaging 92.2 points per game and having never been held under 85 points in a game this season. While it is true that St Louis is known for solid defense, they have faced a lot of weaker teams this season. When they stepped up in class and faced LSU they did allow 81 points and Indiana State has scored an average of 74 points per game and shot 45% from the field this season. The Sycamores will be able to do some damage in this one on the scoreboard but they'll struggle to stop a Billikens team that is on fire from both inside and outside the arc. St Louis is averaging about 10 of 21 from three point land in their games this season. Indiana State is allowing an average of about 9 of 19 from three point land plus nearly 50% from the field overall so this one sets up well for the Billikens to have another huge game in the offensive end. Keep in mind, St Louis is a 13 point favorite here so if the line is correct that puts this game at about a 77-64 final. But, again, the Billikens have not been held below 85 points this season. You can see why I am expecting this one to get well into the 150s and I see solid value with this low total. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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12-14-20 | Rutgers v. Maryland -2.5 | Top | 74-60 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 12 m | Show |
TV Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #814 Monday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (-) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ 6 ET - The Terrapins certainly are NOT on the level of last year's team. However, coming off an embarrassing loss at Clemson in which the Terps were never in it on the road, they will respond in a big way at home here. Maryland has revenge here against Rutgers as the Scarlet Knights beat them last season. Keep in mind that followed 8 straight wins for the Terrapins in his series. Also, though Rutgers is improved this season, they have a couple injury issues. Caleb McConnell is out indefinitely with a back issue and he is a key player. Also, one of their biggest stars, Geo Baker, is doubtful for this game because of an ankle injury. He had hope to go but he has actually been downgraded in terms of his injury status. That said, note that Rutgers is ranked and they are undefeated on the season and yet they are an underdog here against a Terrapins team that already has a loss and that everyone knows is a step down from where they once were. Looks funny doesn't it? Exactly! In typical contrarian fashion I am on the perceived "wrong side" of what looks a little off here and will gladly lay it with Maryland given all of the above. Note that the Terps simply had an awful game at Clemson in their most recent game and also had an awful shooting night the last time they faced the Scarlet Knights which was at Rutgers in March. This one is at College Park and it is payback time. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-11-20 | Villanova v. Georgetown OVER 142.5 | Top | 76-63 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 51 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #611 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Villanova Wildcats @ 7 ET - The Hoyas allowed only 48 points in their most recent game but that was against Coppin State. Georgetown is a young team with a lot of new players and that means struggles in the defensive end. This is particularly true in a covid year as teams couldn't practice like they normally would leading into the season. Prior to their big win over an out-classed Coppin State team, the Hoyas allowed an average of 79 points per game. That means the set up here is ideal for an over because Georgetown is averaging 73 points per on the season but won't be able to stop Villanova here. Also, the Wildcats are off a tight rather low-scoring win over Texas that stayed under the total. Will they repeat that defensive intensity in a 2nd straight game? I really don't think so and the fact is that the Cats have allowed 73 points per game in their last 3 games against the Hoyas. As for the Villanova offense, they should excel here. The Wildcats will take advantage of a Georgetown team with so many new faces in the playing rotation and note that Nova was averaging 80 points per game prior to the low-scoring win over the Longhorns. Both teams are coming off unders here but had gone 2-0 to the over entering their respective contests. That said, great line value here with this total in the low 140s. The Hoyas should get into the 70 range and, of course, the Wildcats are a double digit road favorite here for a reason. Look for this one to get in the 150s. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown |
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12-10-20 | San Diego State v. Arizona State OVER 142 | Top | 80-68 | Win | 100 | 11 h 50 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #863 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona State Sun Devils vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 10 ET - My first thought when looking at this match-up was Arizona State because the line looks a little funny considering the Aztecs are now 34-2 the past two seasons combined while the Sun Devils have a dozen losses over this same time period. As many of you know already, I am a contrarian capper so I was considering ASU based on the team with the much better record and similar ranking being the underdog here. However, the total looks like the best value here. Why? Well it dropped to a 142 for one thing. Additionally, the key reason that is attractive is because Arizona State's defense can not be trusted in my opinion. So I like the Sun Devils here and expect them to put up plenty of points but I just can't trust their defensive level of play. As for San Diego State, they are not giving up many points per game this season but a lot of that has to do with level of competition. Now the Aztecs face a Sun Devils team which is averaging 84.5 points per game. Arizona State is shooting 48.1% from the field and play at a good pace but, on defense, they are allowing 45% from the field including 37% from three point land. San Diego State is making 9 three pointers per game and averaging 74.5 points per game and this one turns into a shootout. 10* OVER the total in Arizona State |
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12-09-20 | Oklahoma v. Xavier OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-99 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs Oklahoma Sooners @ 8 ET - The O/U is 2-0 in Sooners games this season and 3-1 in Xavier's last 4 games. Both teams are shooting the ball very well and willing to 'run and gun' in terms of their pace. Oklahoma has averaged 93.5 points per game this season and that included games against UTSA and TCU so not super tough competition but certainly not 'cakewalk' games in terms of the level of the opposition. That said, I look for plenty of points here because the Musketeers have only had one low-scoring win and that was a real grinder against Bradley. Other than that one outlier, Xavier has averaged 90.4 points per game in their other 5 games and has not been held below 76 points in any of those games. Coming off a big win over city-rival Cincinnati, this also could be a flat spot for the Musketeers in terms of the level of their defensive intensity. That said, other than the grinder with Bradley and easy wins over out-classed competition - Oakland and Tennessee Tech - Xavier has allowed 79.3 points in their other 3 games. Certainly Oklahoma fits the bill as a high-quality opponent that can also put up big numbers against the Musketeers defense. That said, the over is the way to go here especially considering the situation and the fact that the Sooners have allowed an average of 72 points per game in their two games and now face a surging opponent that is loaded with confidence thanks to a 6-0 start to the season. 10* OVER the total in Xavier |
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12-09-20 | Maryland +2 v. Clemson | Top | 51-67 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 20 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #607 Wednesday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Clemson Tigers @ 5 ET - Both of these teams are playing solid defense early this season but it is the production on the offensive end that is going to be a difference maker in this one. The Tigers are scoring 69.7 points per game on 43.9% shooting from the field including just 30% from three point land. The Terrapins, on the other hand, are scoring 84 points per game on 56% shooting from the field including 42.5% from beyond the arc. When Maryland needs a bucket, they have guys who have been able to consistently get it. I do not believe that the same holds true for Clemson in terms of the number of scoring options. I also like the line here as, of course, it looks easy to take the small home favorite in a match-up of undefeated teams early this season. Another edge to the road dog here is the fact that the Tigers have not played in a week and this will be only their 2nd game since November 26th! Conversely, the Terrapins just played on December 4th plus will be playing their 4th game since November 27th. Big edges for the road dog in this one and I expect them to get the win in convincing fashion. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-08-20 | Creighton v. Kansas -3.5 | Top | 72-73 | Loss | -102 | 13 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #794 Tuesday 10* Top Play Kansas Jayhawks (-) vs Creighton Bluejays @ 5 ET - At first glance it might seem enticing to take Creighton here. After all, the Bluejays have had blowout wins in each of their first 3 games. However, the Jays have faced much weaker competition than Kansas has. So even though these teams are very close in the rankings right now and even though Creighton is certainly a strong team, only the Jayhawks have been truly battle tested early this season. Kansas has faced Gonzaga and Kentucky already this season. Also, while the Jayhawks have only Nebraska-Omaha on deck, Creighton has instate rival Nebraska on deck. Of course the Bluejays won't overlook playing a highly ranked Kansas team but the point is that another big game does loom for the Jays while that is not the case for the Jayhawks. Traditionally Creighton relies heavily on their 3-point shooting but they are only making 33% of their threes this season while the Jayhawks, despite facing tougher competition, are making 39% of their three-points so far this season. Don't be surprised if that is a difference maker in this game. The Bluejays are a strong team but they are a little over-rated and un-tested early this season and that is giving us excellent line value here with a short number to lay on a high-quality favorite. Lay it! 10* KANSAS |
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12-05-20 | BYU v. Utah State +1 | Top | 67-64 | Loss | -111 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #666 Saturday 10* Top Play Utah State Aggies (+) vs BYU Cougars @ 9 ET - I love when lines flip like this as Utah State has gone from being a 2.5 point favorite to now being a 1 point dog. When you have a core nucleus of leadership in guys like Bean, Queta, and Miller you are in good shape. That said, those guys weren't even the leading scorers in the Aggies most recent game which also was their first win of the season. Utah State has played a tougher schedule than BYU early this season but now has some momentum with their win over a solid Northern Iowa team in which the leading scorers were Anthony and Worster who combined for 39 points while the aforementioned 3 key guys combined for 39 points as well. Great team effort and this is a quality team that is looking for revenge against a BYU team that has defeated them in each of the last two meetings. The Cougars lost a lot of key senior leadership from last year's team. Though they are 4-1 SU so far this season, BYU has played a softer schedule. There were two challenges among the 5 games as Brigham Young faced USC and St John's. In those two games the Cougars scored an average of 63.5 points per game and allowed 73.5 points per game game. Look for a similar deficit here as the Aggies, building off their first win of the season and having already endured their early season growing pains, pull away as this game goes on. 10* UTAH STATE |
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12-04-20 | Oregon v. Seton Hall +3.5 | Top | 83-70 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
TV Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #824 Friday 10* Seton Hall Pirates (+) vs Oregon Ducks @ 9 PM ET @ CHI Health Center Omaha in Nebraska - The Pirates are just 1-2 SU on the season but their first loss came by just a single point to a solid Louisville team. Now, off a loss by double digits to Rhode Island - a respectable Atlantic 10 team in their own right - I expect a huge response from Seton Hall here. Keep in mind, the Pirates game prior to that was a big win by a 22 point margin over a well-coached Iona team as Rick Pitino is one of the, if not the, best in the business in terms of college hoops coaches. I feel Seton Hall has an edge over the Ducks here because the Pirates have 3 games under their belt already while Oregon has played only 1 game. For the Ducks that was a loss to a Missouri team likely to finish near the bottom of the SEC. Oregon came into this season highly regarded but the fact that Will Richardson is out for 6 to 8 weeks is a big loss for their backcourt. They opened up as nearly a pick'em in this game and, as usual, the betting markets 'took the bait' and this line has risen to as high as a 3.5 as of early Friday morning. I'll gladly grab the value with the underdog Pirates in this one. 10* SETON HALL |
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12-03-20 | Connecticut v. USC +1.5 | Top | 61-58 | Loss | -106 | 20 h 18 m | Show |
ESPN Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #752 Thursday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (+) vs Connecticut Huskies @ 7 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena @ Uncasville, CT - The location of this game would seem to favor Connecticut of course. However, USC is the play here. Not only do the Huskies have a couple guys banged up, I also feel we have some value here in terms of who these teams have played so far. The Huskies haven't really been tested yet as they faced overmatched foes in Central Connecticut State and Hartford. Conversely, USC faced a tough BYU team in its most recent game. In fact, the Trojans were an underdog in that game and yet they dominated and won the game by 26 points. Whenever I see a line like this (UConn playing what is, in essence a home game and yet hardly favored) it grabs my attention. Upon closer inspection I see the contrarian value here given the situation. Having already been tested by Brigham Young, the Trojans will be better prepared to handle a challenging game. Also, the way Southern Cal played against the Cougars, they showed they came to Uncasville, CT to compete at the highest level and I expect that to lead to another convincing win in this one. 10* USC Trojans |
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12-01-20 | Kentucky +5 v. Kansas | Top | 62-65 | Win | 100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
ESPN Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #627 Tuesday 10* Top Play Kentucky Wildcats (+) vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 9:30 ET @ United Center in Chicago, IL - Each team has an early season loss but the Jayhawks lost to Gonzaga and Kansas was an underdog in that big match-up. Converesely, the Wildcats lost to Richmond and they were favored by a half dozen points in that game. As a result, there is some anti-Kentucky sentiment impacting this line as it has risen from near a 3 to as high as a 5 as of gameday morning and I like the value with the underdog in this one as I fade the line move. Kentucky took the last meeting between these teams in January of 2019 and the Wildcats did it with physicality. The Cats shot poorly from three point land but won the game because they got to the free throw line more than the Jayhawks plus they dominated the glass. Don't be surprised if we see a similar approach here and I'll grab the aggressive (and highly talented) underdog in this one. There is a reason this line was priced so low despite Kansas having a much higher ranking. I would not be surprised to see an outright upset here and am happy to grab all the points I can get with this one. 10* KENTUCKY |
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11-29-20 | Washington v. Baylor OVER 139 | Top | 52-86 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 13 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #803 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baylor Bears vs Washington Huskies @ T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV @ 6 ET - The Bears opened their season with a 112-82 win against UL Lafayette yesterday. As for the Huskies, this will be their first game of the season but they wrapped up last season by averaging 78 points per game their last 5 games. The Bears, including yesterday's result, have average 78.6 points per game their last 5 games (includes last 4 games of last season for Baylor). Look for plenty of offense in this one as the Bears showed yesterday that they are happy to 'run and gun' and Washington is looking at this as almost a "warm up" game to get ready for the season. They face Utah this coming week. Baylor wants revenge here as they blew a 7 point halftime lead and lost to the Huskies last season. That said, the Bears will not hesitate in keeping their foot on the gas throughout this contest as they are in revenge mode and are favored by a double digit margin here for good reason. Baylor is highly ranked for a reason and ready to put on a scoring display here but the Huskies also have a talented backcourt and are quite solid in terms of scoring depth and I look for them to surprise by hanging around in this one and putting up plenty of points. Washington may fade late as the Bears are simply 'that good'. That is why I am avoiding the side here but the total looks like a solid bet in expectation of a very high-scoring game. 10* OVER the total in Baylor |
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11-28-20 | Rhode Island +1 v. South Florida | Top | 84-68 | Win | 100 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #723 Saturday 10* Top Play Rhode Island Rams (+) vs South Florida Bulls @ 5:30 PM ET in the Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT - The location of this game certainly favors the Rams and I also love the situation here. While Rhode Island is 0-2 this season they faced Arizona State and Boston College and they lost those games by an average margin of just 5.5 points. While the Bulls won their only game so far this season, it was against Florida College and South Florida actually trailed that game at half time! The Bulls were facing a much tougher battle-tested team here as they take a major step up in class for this one. South Florida is seeing Alexis Yetna and Xavier Casteneda both try to battle through injuries. They may not be 100% here. As for Rhode Island, they have played tough in each of their first two games even though they have been without starting forward Jermaine Harris but they could get him back here. Either way, I look for them to get the big win as, off back to back losses but having played much tougher competition, the Rams respond in a big way here and take it to South Florida. The Bulls have only played 1 game and that was 3 days ago and they will be a little rusty here and are facing a tough Rams team that is hungry for a win. 10* RHODE ISLAND |
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11-27-20 | Pepperdine +7.5 v. UCLA | Top | 98-107 | Loss | -108 | 4 h 43 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #621 Friday 10* Top Play Pepperdine Waves (+) vs UCLA Bruins @ 3 ET - The Waves get a shot against the big boys here and I expect them to make the most of it. Pepperdine comes from a smaller conference of course but they returned 4 starters from last season's team and I feel strongly that they are on their way up this season. Already the Waves looked strong with a win over UC Irvine Wednesday. The Bruins entered the season ranked but lost their season opener Wednesday. Granted they played a strong San Diego State team but it was certainly not impressive that they lost by 15 points to the Aztecs as a 3 point favorite. Johnny Juzang was expected to be a contributor for UCLA this season and he is out with a foot injury. Also, big man Jalen Hill is a starter but he is dealing with a knee injury right now and is questionable for this game. I like the fact the Waves are coming off a big win by a double digit margin to start the season and they want this game against their "big brother" whose campus is very nearby. This game played at a neutral site and the scrappy underdogs get the win here. If not an outright upset win look for them to at least stay inside the number. 10* PEPPERDINE |
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11-25-20 | Villanova v. Boston College OVER 140.5 | Top | 76-67 | Win | 100 | 13 h 30 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #721 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston College Eagles vs Villanova Wildcats @ 9:30 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT in the 2K Empire Classic - The Wildcats are highly ranked, like to play fast, and feel like they have unfinished business of the way the pandemic prevented March Madness 2020 from happening. I feel strongly that this very strong Villanova team is going to come out like they were shot out of a cannon and play that way for the full 40 as well as they do have great team depth too. The key here is the Eagles are adding some solid players to their backcourt for this season as they get a guy back who missed last season due to injury. Plus Boston College has added some veteran experience through transfers. That said, the over is the way to go here. Having a strong backcourt is a key early in the season and the Wildcats will force the Eagles to play a fast tempo and Boston College has the guard play to be successful in doing so. That said, plenty of points expected here. The Eagles defensive play was a weakness last season and Villanova is a very strong shooting team from beyond the arc and should get plenty of open looks in this one. Boston College allowed 74.3 points per game when away from home last season. The Wildcats allowed 68.7 points per game away from home last season. Considering that plus plenty of tempo for this game and some breakdowns on the defensive end (early in the season and coming in off tough off-season with limited practice time). 10* OVER the total in Boston College |
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03-11-20 | Georgia +3.5 v. Ole Miss | Top | 81-63 | Win | 100 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
Power Five Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #671 Wednesday 10* Top Play Georgia Bulldogs (+) vs Ole Miss Rebels @ 7 ET - The Bulldogs just got hammered in their season finale against LSU but Georgia actually had 10 more field goal attempts than the Tigers and yet lost the game by 30 points. It was simply "one of those games" and is now giving us some line value here as a result. This is a revenge game for the Bulldogs as they have lost 3 straight meetings with Ole Miss. What better time for payback than the SEC tourney? Georgia finished the regular season with back to back losses to Florida and LSU but this was preceded by a 3-1 stretch in which they only loss the Bulldogs had was in overtime! The Rebels enter this game off a disheartening blowout loss to Mississippi State as those Bulldogs are their biggest rivals. That was the 5th straight loss for the Rebels in games played away from Ole Miss. The Rebels have allowed 73.2 points per game their last 5 games. The Bulldogs have averaged scoring 75.2 points per game in regulation of their last 6 road games prior to the ugly season-ending loss at LSU. The Dawgs were ultra-competitive in all those road games and the last five included an outright win and an OT loss. They get over the hump again here in a revenge game against a Rebels team getting a little too much respect from the betting markets in this one. The Bulldogs average 10.5 points per game more than the Rebels in comparing games played away from home this season for these two SEC foes. 10* GEORGIA |
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03-11-20 | Northwestern v. Minnesota OVER 136.5 | Top | 57-74 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #651 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Northwestern Wildcats @ 6 ET - The Wildcats won 2 of their last 3 games so they have a little momentum heading into the tournament. Northwestern has scored at least 66 points (exclusive of OT points) in 4 of its last 6 games. The Golden Gophers are favored by about 8 to 9 points here with good reason. In other words a 75-66 type game would not be unexpected to say the least and that gets us into the 140s here. The Wildcats have allowed 73.5 points per game their last 8 games and will have their hands full with the Gophers here. Minnesota beat Northwestern 83-57 late last month as the over went 2-0 in regular season meetings between these teams. That Golden Gophers win began a stretch in which they have scored an average of 79.8 points per game over their final 5 games of the season. Though scoring well, Minnesota has also allowed 71 points or more over their last 4 games of the regular season. The over is 5-0 in the Golden Gophers last 5 games and the over is 5-1 in Northwestern's last 6 games. Look for the high-scoring trend to continue in this Big Ten tourney match-up. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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03-10-20 | Illinois-Chicago v. Northern Kentucky -4 | Top | 62-71 | Win | 100 | 8 h 24 m | Show |
Tourney Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #616 Tuesday 10* Top Play Northern Kentucky Norse (-) vs Illinois-Chicago Flames @ 7 ET - The Norse had a long layoff before yesterday's game and actually were playing just their 2nd game in a span of over 2 weeks! It showed as they struggled in the first half against Wisconsin-Green Bay. Once Northern Kentucky worked off the rust in the first half, they were a different team in the second half. The Norse rolled to a huge win over the Phoenix and will carry that momentum right into the Championship Game today. Northern Kentucky exploded for 51 points in the 2nd half of their win over UWGB yesterday. They catch Illinois-Chicago at the perfect time for a rout. The Flames got the upset win over Wright State yesterday. Certainly the Flames deserve credit for that and for playing a strong game against the Raiders. However, now UIC faces a Norse team which they blasted by 30 points at Northern Kentucky a little over 3 weeks ago. Keep in mind the Norse went 13-5 in Horizon action this season while Illinois-Chicago went 10-8. Northern Kentucky enters this game on a 13-3 SU run. UIC has also been playing well but the Norse are the better team and playing with revenge and I like the value with this line coming down from a -5 to a -4 here. We'll take it! 10* NORTHERN KENTUCKY |
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03-10-20 | Northeastern v. Hofstra OVER 134.5 | Top | 61-70 | Loss | -106 | 8 h 54 m | Show |
Total Blowout - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #613 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Hofstra Pride vs Northeastern Huskies @ 7 ET - This total opened up in the low 140s and has dropped into the mid 130s. This has opened up a fantastic value situation with the over. Northeastern only won yesterday's game versus Elon by 8 points but they had a 16 point lead at the half and simply coasted in the 2nd half. The Huskies had 37 points at the half and could have scored at least that much in the 2nd half too if they had wanted to. But, given the situation, Northeastern took their foot off the gas in an easy win. This has led to situational value here because, though the Huskies can score well, they now face a tough team that can match them bucket for bucket. Hofstra was very impressive yesterday in their big win over Delaware. The Pride scored 75 points and that was the 9th time in 11 games that Hofstra has scored at least 75 points. The Huskies have averaged 73.2 points per game in their last 5 games. Look for this game to get well into the 140s as each of the regular season meetings totaled 146 points and somewhere in that range for this one is what I fully expect. That means we've got great value here. 10* OVER the total in Hofstra |
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03-09-20 | Illinois-Chicago v. Wright State UNDER 149 | Top | 73-56 | Win | 100 | 8 h 22 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #882 Monday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Wright State Raiders vs Illinois-Chicago Flames @ 7 ET - This total has skyrocketed upward from its opener down around 142 to getting pushed up to around 149 as of early game day morning. I understand the move when you look at pure statistics but the situation absolutely matters here. First off it is a tourney game and those tend to see more defense. Secondly, you have a neutral site venue which often leads to poorer shooting percentages as well. Thirdly, and perhaps most important, the Raiders haven't played a game in ten days. Wright State is favored here for a reason but look for them to lean heavily on their defense as their shots are likely to be off the mark after a long layoff of 10 days without a game. Illinois-Chicago has allowed just 64 points per game in its last 4 contests. The Flames, on the other end of the floor, were held to just 58 points the last time they faced Wright State. The Raiders have averaged 67 points per game their last 3 games against UIC. The total is simply over-priced here given the situation. I know Wright State has some impressive recent numbers on the offensive end but I am looking for another under here as the under cashes for the 4th time in the last 5 meetings between these Horizon League foes. The under is a perfect 3-0 the last 3 times that the Raiders have entered a game after 5 or more off days between games. 10* UNDER the total in Wright State |
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03-09-20 | Delaware +4.5 v. Hofstra | Top | 61-75 | Loss | -108 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #865 Monday 10* Top Play Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens vs Hofstra Pride @ 6 ET - Hofstra knocked Delaware out of the CAA Tourney last season. It is payback time here for the Fightin' Blue Hens. These teams met twice in the regular season and split the series. In the game in which Delaware won, leading scorer Nate Darling scored just 13 points! That is bad news for Hofstra as he made 5 of 8 three pointers in yesterday's win over College of Charleston and scored 25 points. If he is "on" again today and the rest of the Fightin Blue Hens play like they did in the first victory over the Pride this season, this one will be an upset by at least a half dozen points in my opinion. I like the fact Darling will be playing with a ton of confidence here because he is a big-time scorer when he is hot and he'll be tough for the Pride to slow down. I know Hofstra has been hot but the Fightin' Blue Hens had played them very well for 4 straight halves before a horrible 2nd half in the most recent meeting. Prior to that Delaware had outscored the Pride by 10 points over the 4 prior halves dating back to the 2nd half of last season's match-up in the CAA Tourney. I feel we've got great underdog value here with a very determined and confident Fightin' Blue Hens team that is poised for revenge here. 10* DELAWARE |
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03-08-20 | Iowa v. Illinois OVER 148 | Top | 76-78 | Win | 100 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #845 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Illinois Illini vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 7 ET - One of the strongest handicapping angles is actually playing ON something that looks a little OFF. This is a perfect example of that. The reason it is successful is because usually something looks a little out of kilter for a good reason! In this case, you can not find a recent total posted this high (148) in an Illinois game. Yet the Illini game versus Iowa Sunday has a big total posted on it even though the first meeting only had a posted total of 140 plus it ended up staying under that total! This also was the 2nd straight under in meetings between these teams and yet this game has a higher total despite that result and also has one of the highest totals posted on an Illini game this season. Must be a huge mistake, right? Of course not. Look for this one to fly over the total. Iowa is averaging 78 points per game this season. However, the Hawkeyes have allowed 78 points or more in 4 of their last 5 road games. In fact, in those 4 road contests Iowa allowed an average of 88 points per game. Look for a shootout in Champaign tonight. 10* OVER the total in Illinois |
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03-08-20 | Ohio State +7 v. Michigan State | Top | 69-80 | Loss | -109 | 7 h 15 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #843 Sunday 10* Top Play Ohio State Buckeyes (+) @ Michigan State Spartans @ 4:30 ET - Both teams are red hot. Give me the points in a spot like this! The Buckeyes have won 9 of their last 11 games and are playing this game with revenge. The Spartans have won each of the last 3 meetings including knocking Ohio State out of the Big Ten tourney last spring. Michigan State does enter this game having won 4 straight. However, this was preceded by a tough 1-4 stretch for the Spartans. As for the Buckeyes, they started the season 11-1 and then hit one rough patch mid-season but are now wrapping up the regular season on a 9-2 run. Ohio State has been a streaky team this season as you can see and I look for that to continue here and am happy to have the 7 points on my side in this one. Look for it to be tough for Michigan State to pull away in this one. The Spartans have had struggles in tight late-game situations this season just like the collapse at home against Maryland three weeks ago. Michigan State is off back to back covers but this was preceded by a 1-6 ATS stretch and they are over-valued here by the betting markets. Upset alert here and, if the Buckeyes do fall short, I expect it to be by only a bucket or two. 10* OHIO STATE |
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03-07-20 | Louisville v. Virginia | 54-57 | Win | 100 | 9 h 34 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #646 Saturday 8* Virginia Cavaliers (-) vs Louisville Cardinals @ 4 ET - Great set-up here. The Cardinals are still going for the ACC title and Virginia has revenge on its mind plus a chance to play spoiler. It is also senior day and the Cavaliers will pull together to send off guys like starters Mamadi Diakite and Braxton Key with a big win! The Cavs lost at Louisville last month but Virginia actually was a perfect 9-0 the last 9 games in this series prior to that defeat. Also, since losing to the Cardinals, the Cavaliers have won 7 straight games while the Cards have gone just 3-3 SU including 3 straight road losses. The last two road defeats for Louisville each came by 15 points! This is another tough road match-up for the Cardinals and Malik Williams ankle injury (he is doubtful for this game) is not helping matters. On the season Louisville is just 7-5 SU on the road while the Cavaliers are 13-3 SU on the road. Of course this game is around a pick'em even though the Cavs are at home because the Cards are the higher-ranked team and many public backers will be liking the Cardinals in this spot. The sharp money, in my opinion, will be on a surging and motivated Cavaliers team. 8* VIRGINIA |
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03-07-20 | Seton Hall v. Creighton OVER 151.5 | Top | 60-77 | Loss | -109 | 8 h 48 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #635 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Creighton Blue Jays vs Seton Hall Pirates @ 2:30 ET - This is a big game with the regular season Big East title on the line. Pirates, with a win, take it. Blue Jays, with a win, get a share of it with the Pirates (and also Villanova if they beat Georgetown earlier). That said, one might expect some extra defensive intensity here but truly neither one of these teams has been defined by defense. Creighton, particularly at home, is known for piling up points and firing up threes! The Blue Jays are averaging 83.5 points per game game at home this season. They are a 3.5 point favorite in this game. Logically this game could be expected to surpass the 160 mark given those numbers. The first meeting between these teams this season did go over the total. That first match-up totaled 167 points and that was even with the teams combining to make just 15 of 52 three pointers for a poor combined 29% mark from the beyond the arc. Entering this game, the over is 5-2 in the Blue Jays last 7 games and 5-1 in the Pirates last 6 games. Look for the high-scoring trend to continue here. 10* OVER the total in Creighton |
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03-07-20 | Villanova -7.5 v. Georgetown | Top | 70-69 | Loss | -108 | 15 h 24 m | Show |
Game of the Year - Rickenbach NCAAB Rotation #601 Saturday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) @ Georgetown Hoyas @ Noon ET - Huge coaching edge for the Wildcats here with Jay Wright over Georgetown's Patrick Ewing. However, the Hoyas had a rare "step up" game the last time Villanova visited DC and Georgetown won by a dozen points. Note that Hoyas wins in this series have been quite rare of late (Villanova beat them at home earlier this season) and now it is payback time for the Wildcats on this floor. As noted above, the Cats beat them in Philly earlier this season but the loss on this floor last season ended a streak of 9 straight wins for Nova in this series. When a team that has dominated a series like this loses on that opponent's floor they don't forget it about the very next time they visit. Villanova remembers the last time they stepped on this floor they were a ranked team that got upset by these Hoyas. They absolutely don't want a repeat of that here in what is their first trip to Georgetown since that meeting. Situations don't get much better than this. The Wildcats have road payback on their minds and they also are motivated by still having a shot at the regular season title for the Big East. With a win here and a Seton Hall loss at Creighton, the Wildcats would share the Big East title with the Bluejays and Pirates. Adding to the value here is that both Mac MacClung and Amer Yurtseven are listed as doubtful in this game. MacClung is Georgetown's leading scorer and Yurtseven is also a key player. I really don't expect the Hoyas to "force the issue" with those two guys as the smarter move would be to rest them in hopes of a return for the Big East tournament. That said, the Wildcats offer a lot of value here in a game which, though they on the road, they can still easily win by double digits. This game has road payback, motivation, health, coaching, all in favor of a road team that is favored by single digits! I'll take it! The Hoyas have lost 5 straight games and the only two closer losses were by 3 versus Xavier and 6 at DePaul. Villanova has won 6 of 7 and just won at Xavier by 9 and at DePaul by 20. So compare how those teams have performed recently against the same opponents. Yes, big difference between the level of these two programs and all the right ingredients are there to step up LARGE with this one. 10* VILLANOVA |
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03-06-20 | Southern Illinois v. Bradley OVER 124.5 | Top | 59-64 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 29 m | Show |
Tourney Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #865 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Bradley Braves vs Southern Illinois Salukis @ 3:35 ET - This total is priced as if Southern Illinois is going to dictate the tempo of that game and I don't see it that way. The Salukis have lost 5 of their last 6 games. The Braves have won 20 games on the season and also enter this game having won 5 of 6 games before a season-ending loss by a single point against Loyola. Two of Bradley's recent games did go to overtime but even with removing the OT points from the equation, those games totaled more than this total. One was 72-all at the end of regulation and the other was knotted at 67 at the end of regulation. So let's take a closer look at recent Bradley scores. The Braves last 8 games have all totaled 127 points or more. Given today's low total posted on this game, that would be an 8-0 run to the over. Bradley has allowed 69.4 points per game in those 8 games. The Braves have scored an average of 70.4 points per game their last 7 games. That said, even though the Salukis have a tendency toward lower scoring games, I don't see them pulling down the better team's numbers that much in this game. Bradley will dictate the flow and is a confident group of scorers with the way they have been playing in recent weeks. As for Southern Illinois, they have allowed an average of 72.4 points per game their last 5 games. Before an ugly loss at Missouri State in their regular season finale, the Salukis had scored 67 points or more in 3 of 4 games. Look for this game to get into the 130s. 10* OVER the total in Bradley (game played in St Louis - MVC Tourney) |
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03-05-20 | Houston v. Connecticut OVER 132.5 | Top | 71-77 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
AAC Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #665 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Connecticut Huskies vs Houston Cougars @ 7 ET - The Huskies are seeking big-time revenge here. Not only did they lose a tight one at Houston in January, Connecticut also got thoroughly embarrassed in an absolute bloodbath loss (by 39 points) in the AAC Tournament last March. The Huskies may or may not get their revenge here but one thing is for certain...UConn does not want this game to turn into a low-scoring grinder. The Huskies enter this game having won 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. They do it with offense as Connecticut is 9-2 to the over their last 11 games. Not including overtime, the Huskies have scored 67 points or more in 6 of their last 7 games. Keep in mind, Houston is favored in this game. In other words we should see at least mid-130s and that is at a bare minimum given the above. That said, I look for this game to get well into the 140s. Houston has averaged 75 points per game in their last 4 meetings with the Huskies. Also, the Cougars enter this game having averaged 69 points per game (not including OT) their last 7 games. It is quite logical that both teams get into the 70 range here as, to reiterate, the Huskies make sure this game plays at a little faster pace if they're going to have a chance to get their revenge here. Look for UConn to continue their recent high-scoring surge. 10* OVER the total in Connecticut |
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03-05-20 | Illinois v. Ohio State -6 | Top | 63-71 | Win | 100 | 12 h 35 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #664 Thursday 10* Top Play Ohio State Buckeyes (+) vs Illinois Illini @ 7 ET - Yes the Illini have been hot but they faced some weak competition too. Now Illinois faces a real test and Ohio State is well aware that they can play the role of spoiler here in terms of running the Big Ten regular season title hopes of the Illini. The Buckeyes don't even need that extra motivation either. Why? Because Ohio State lost outright at home to Illinois as nearly a double digit favorite in the teams most recent meeting which was last February. Finally the Buckeyes get their shot at payback here. Not only was that upset unlikely, note that another upset here is just as unlikely. Ohio State is 13-2 SU at home while Illinois is just 6-6 SU on the road. That said, I'll lay the half dozen points here with the Buckeyes. Two of the last 3 wins for the Illini came against Northwestern and Nebraska. The Wildcats and Cornhuskers are a combined 4-33 in Big Ten games this season. Give Illinois credit for recent wins versus Indiana and Penn State but the win over the Hoosiers came at home while the win over the Nittany Lions was a case of catching a flat opponent at the right time. The Buckeyes, most definitely, will not be flat here. Payback time here. 10* OHIO STATE |
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03-05-20 | Boise State +2.5 v. UNLV | 67-61 | Win | 100 | 11 h 43 m | Show | |
Tourney Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #701 Thursday 8* Boise State Broncos @ UNLV Rebels @ 5 ET - This is a Mountain West tournament game but is a home game for the Rebels since they are the host team for this tourney. However, I am happy to back the revenging road dog in this one. For one thing, the injury to Elijah Mitrou-Long is a concern for the Rebels. However, more importantly is that Boise State just lost here about a week ago. In that game the Broncos shot a ridiculous 31% from the field! That is why Boise State lost despite having 9 more field goal attempts in the game. It is tough to beat a team twice in a span of a week unless you have a decided edge. The Rebels don't really have any edge whatsoever in this match-up and Elijah Mitrou-Long is questionable for this one with a knee injury. The Broncos, prior to losing at UNLV, had won 8 of 10 games and the only two losses were versus top tier opponents. As for the Rebels, they have won 5 straight games but that was preceded by a 1-5 stretch in which the only win came by a single point. UNLV gets brought back down to earth in a hurry here after their surprising 5-0 SU run to end the season. Revenge time here. 8* BOISE STATE |
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03-04-20 | Villanova +4.5 v. Seton Hall | Top | 79-77 | Win | 100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #781 Wednesday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (+) @ Seton Hall Pirates @ 8:30 ET - The Wildcats are off a loss but very well could have been caught looking ahead to this game as the Pirates handed Villanova a rare home loss in their earlier meeting this season. Ironically, Seton Hall also has a revenge game on deck as their Big East regular season finale is at Creighton and the Blue Jays handed them a rare home loss. In my eyes the set up here is ideal for a road upset and I'll gladly grab the points with Nova. The Cats are 5-1 SU and ATS in their last 6 road games and the lone loss came by just 3 points at Butler. The Pirates have covered just ONCE in their past SIX home games! Seton Hall is the higher ranked team in this match-up and they are at home but Villanova comes into this game fighting mad and playing with home loss revenge. Look for the Wildcats to send the Pirates to their 3rd SU home loss in their last 5 games as a host but I am grabbing the points as added insurance in this one. The Cats did knock the Pirates out of the Big East tourney last year but Nova has the home revenge here from this season plus also lost their visit to Seton Hall last season. It is payback time here and I like backing the Wildcats off a loss in which they scored only 54 points! 10* VILLANOVA |
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03-04-20 | San Jose State v. New Mexico OVER 155.5 | Top | 66-79 | Loss | -125 | 9 h 11 m | Show |
Tourney Top Total - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #815 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Mexico Lobos vs San Jose State Spartans in MWC Tourney in Vegas @ 5:30 ET - This total may seem big but it is truly justified. The Spartans simply do not play defense and this is even more true when traveling. When away from home, San Jose State has allowed an average of 90.3 points per game in their 9 games! The Lobos are about a 10 point favorite here. So if the Spartans allow their recent typical average and the odds makers are a correct about the spread here than you're looking at a 90-80 type game which crushes the total. The fact is New Mexico loves to play a run and gun style with very little focus on defense and they'll be able to that here against the Spartans. The last time San Jose State and New Mexico met the Lobos scored 86 points. In the first meeting this season the Spartans won 88 to 85. You can see why I am expecting plenty of points here. I don't expect San Jose State to be able to stop the Lobos but I also don't expect them to go down without a fight in tourney action. In other words, they should indeed do enough running and gunning of their own to hang within about 10 points here and that means this one flies over the total. New Mexico's most recent road loss was a tight low-scoring grinder but those are unusual for sure. In their 7 preceding road games in 2020, the Lobos allowed an average of 89.4 points per game. This one gets crazy. 10* OVER the total in New Mexico (game played in Vegas) |
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03-04-20 | Air Force +5.5 v. Fresno State | 77-70 | Win | 100 | 7 h 8 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #813 Wednesday 8* Air Force Falcons (+) vs Fresno State Bulldogs in MWC Tournament in Vegas @ 3 ET - The Bulldogs won both match-ups with the Falcons this season and won each game by 9 or more points. The line on this neutral site game opened up at a -4. Do you think the odds makers are stupid? I have stated this time and time again and, of course, anything can happen in any given game but, the point is that this line was set this way for a reason. Of course the markets are jumping all over Fresno State already and the line will likely climb even higher than it's current number of 5.5 but, folks, in typical contrarian fashion I am backing Air Force here. The Falcons have struggled badly at the betting window but getting 2 SU wins in their last 5 games has given them a boost of confidence heading into this match-up. Also, a big key here is that they got thoroughly embarrassed here by the Bulldogs 76-50 in last year's Mountain West tourney. It is payback time here and an outright upset would not surprise me but I am grabbing the points for added insurance. 8* AIR FORCE |
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03-03-20 | Michigan State -1 v. Penn State | Top | 79-71 | Win | 100 | 12 h 47 m | Show |
Big Ten Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #621 Tuesday 10* Top Play Michigan State Spartans (-) @ Penn State Nittany Lions @ 7 ET - The road team has covered each of the last 3 meetings between these teams. That includes the Nittany Lions winning at Michigan State early last month. That means it is revenge time for the Spartans and the timing is perfect. While Penn State has lost 3 of 4 games SU and is on an 0-4 ATS run, Michigan State enters this game having won 3 in a row SU. The line on this game is as low as a -1 early this morning and I am taking advantage of grabbing the revenge-minded Spartans in this one. Michigan State was sloppy with the ball in the first meeting and lost the game by 5 points largely due to losing the turnover battle 15-9. I like what I have seen from the Spartans over the past two weeks while the Nittany Lions are showing signs of wilting under the late season pressure. Of course we get line value here because this game is at State College where Penn State has been so strong this season. The fact is that the Nittany Lions last two home games saw them lose outright to Illinois and barely sneak out a 1-point win over Rutgers. Now PSU faces a much tougher challenge here and I look for the Spartans to turn this one into a road rout. 10* MICHIGAN STATE |
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03-03-20 | Cleveland State v. Oakland OVER 130.5 | Top | 59-80 | Win | 100 | 11 h 8 m | Show |
Tourney Top Total - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #655 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Cleveland State Vikings @ 7 ET - The Vikings have only had two overtime games this season. The impact of those two OT periods in a 31-game season is minimal. That said, I feel this total is far too low because Oakland likes to play more uptempo than the Vikings do and I expect them to control the tempo in this one since this game is on their home floor. The Vikings average scoring 64.3 points per game this season but allow 71.5 points per game. Cleveland State, not including OT, scored at least 67 points in 3 of their last 4 road games. That included scoring 74 here at Oakland in a game that totaled 153 points. As for the Grizzlies, they have had 3 overtime games this season. However, just looking at points scored in regulation time, Oakland has allowed 71.3 points per game their last 8 games. The Golden Grizzlies have averaged, not including OT points, 74.2 points per game their last 5 home games. I see this game getting into the 140s or at least right around 140 and yet we've got a total right around a 130 which means solid value being offered here. I'll take it! 10* OVER the total in Oakland |
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03-02-20 | NC State v. Duke OVER 151 | Top | 69-88 | Win | 100 | 12 h 55 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #861 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Duke Blue Devils vs NC State Wolfpack @ 7 ET - Duke is off back to back losses including a 52-50 grinder against Virginia. Now they get a chance to really open things up again. After being held to just 50 points in their most recent game, I have no doubt the Blue Devils are going to run and gun against a willing participant, NC State. The Wolfpack have gone 5-2 to the over their last 7 games. Duke is 12-4 to the over in home games this season. The Blue Devils also have revenge in this one as they lost at NC State by a count of 88-66 two weeks ago. Duke shot an uncharacteristic 4 of 17 from beyond the arc and 10 of 22 at the charity stripe! Those numbers won't happen again here. The Blue Devils are averaging 84.2 points per game at home this season. The Wolfpack have scored 77 points or more in 5 of their last 7 games. The set up here is perfect for a high-scoring match-up. Also, note that the over is a perfect 7-0 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Duke |