*CBB(1u): Fordham -3.5(-110) vs La Salle–6 PM CT
Given that this is the second straight game I’m backing Fordham, I’ll just say that this Texas boy has no affiliation with Fordham University out of NYC. The Rams got the job done for us on Sunday, and this spot sets up well for a repeat. This will be La Salle’s 4th(!) straight road game; they lost each of the first 3 and in total enter tonight having lost 9 of their last 10. Fordham has a punishing defense that ranks 56th in defensive efficiency, and the only way you can find success against them is getting hot from beyond the arc. Thankfully, La Salle ranks just 243rd in 3-point FG percentage and pairs that with one of the worst defenses in the A-10. Fordham is no world-beaters themselves offensively, but coming off that George Mason win, I’d expect the Rams to play free and easy offensively tonight. I look to bet against teams playing their second straight road game, so with this being La Salle’s 4th and each team trending in opposite directions, I’m more than willing to lay the short number with Fordham tonight.
*CBB(1u): Michigan -5(-110) vs Rutgers–6 PM CT
Unsurprisingly, novice bettors love Rutgers tonight for the simple fact that Michigan received some negative press after HC Juwan Howard was embroiled in a postgame fight on Sunday. As a general rule, playing against these public sentiments will make you a profit. Stepping in for Juwan Howard as interim HC will be Phil Martelli, who has 25 years of HC experience from his time at St Joe’s and is almost surely a better on-floor coach than Howard. Also, if anything, wouldn’t Sunday’s controversy bring more fire out of Michigan tonight? The Wolverines are fighting for their postseason lives and have stepped up in these home spots multiple times this season. While the offense sputtered against Wisconsin on Sunday, this is still a team that ranks 22nd in offensive efficiency and has earned my trust on that end of the floor. Rutgers is obviously a feisty team, but they’re much better playing at home. This is the Scarlet Knights’ second straight road game, and quite frankly, I expect this team to regress after stacking up some improbable wins over the past few weeks. Rutgers’ defense is only slightly better than Michigan’s(especially on the road), and their offense is miles-and-miles behind. I think Michigan comes out hot, doesn’t let the foot off the gas, and wins this game handily.
*CBB(1u): Duquesne TT UNDER 63.5(-120) vs Davidson–6 PM CT
Over their past 11 games spanning back to January 15th, Duquesne has averaged just 56 PPG and has failed to score more than 62 points in any game they’ve played. The Dukes shoot less than 40% from the floor and rank at the bottom in almost every offensive category. I’ve been critical of Davidson’s defense at times, but they actually come into this game allowing less than 60 PPG over their last 2. Davidson sits at the top of the A-10 standings, and there is no reason for them to make a statement tonight. The Wildcats already rank 320th in pace, and I would expect them to go even slower tonight in hopes of getting this game over as quick as possible. Considering Duquesne goes slow themselves, I see no reason why tonight will play out any differently than any other Duquesne game has as of late.
*ML Parlay(0.8u): Davidson, Michigan, SMU 1H–6 PM CT
Davidson pick is pretty much explained above. I mean, Duquesne is 6-19, has lost 12 straight, and over their last 11 games has kept just 2 within single digits. Davidson can be vulnerable against most of the A-10, but it would take a miracle for them to lose this game.
Michigan explained above.
SMU is coming off a massive win against Memphis on Sunday and now finds themselves back in contention for an at-large bid. Essentially, I don’t see this as a “let down” spot considering there is still work to be done for them to make the Tournament. They catch 9-16 Tulsa at an ideal time with this being Tulsa’s 3rd straight road game. Tulsa has been known to get down early in these spots but fight in the second half to make themselves a back-door candidate. Rather than laying the double-digits with the Ponies, I’ll trust them to take a lead into the Half.
