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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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 

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

Big Ten Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #831 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines @ 4 ET - I am aware there are a few injury situations in this game but I feel we have great value here with this total and I don't expect Eli Brooks to play for the Wolverines while the Buckeyes only really significant absence is Kyle Young but others will step up in his place at home. In terms of the value with this low total here, the Wolverines are 7-2 their last 9 games and have averaged scoring 73 points per game during this stretch. They are about a 4 point dog in this one. Last time I checked a 77-73 final totals 150 points. In other words, if Michigan hits their recent average and the odds makers are right about the spread here, we have ourselves an easy winner. The Buckeyes have won 4 of their last 5 games and have averaged 74 points per game during this stretch. Off an easy win versus a bad Nebraska team, Ohio State could be in for a surprise here as the Wolverines are playing with a lot of a confidence and scoring very well of late. Also, Michigan has revenge from a low-scoring home loss to the Buckeyes early last month. After sub-par shooting in that meeting, watch things open up in a big way today and we'll see plenty of scoring in this one. 10* OVER the total in Ohio State

Afternoon TV Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #821 Sunday 10* Top Play Xavier Musketeers (-) @ Georgetown Hoyas @ 2 ET - The Musketeers are the much better team. Even though Naji Marshall is on the injury report he has been upgraded to probable. Conversely, the Hoyas Omar Yurtseven and Mac MacClung are both listed as questionable for this one. Keep in mind, Georgetown has lost 3 straight games and also is just 1-4 SU in its last 5 home games. Xavier brings momentum into this game after a home win versus DePaul in their most recent game. The Musketeers are now 5-2 SU (and 6-1 ATS) their last 7 games and clearly this is a case of two teams heading opposite directions as the regular season winds down. Xavier has dominated this series but did lose their last visit to Georgetown. Look for the Musketeers to make up for that here as they continue their surge and send the Hoyas to a 4th straight loss. The road team also holds the coaching edge in this match-up and that is not a factor to overlook especially in the case of a game with a line near pick'em. 10* XAVIER

MWC Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #700 Saturday 10* Top Play San Jose State Spartans (+) vs UNLV Rebels @ 5 ET - Perfect set up here. Home finale for San Jose State to wrap up another disappointing season. UNLV enters this road game having won 4 straight games. However, the key here is where this game is being played. The Spartans are much more competitive on their home floor than on the road. San Jose State has had only 4 home games since mid-January. Though only 1-3 SU in those 4 games, 2 of the 3 losses came by 6 or less points. Don't be surprised when San Jose State keeps this game much closer than many are expecting and they could even get the outright upset. The Rebels have won 4 straight games but only one (San Diego State) was truly shocking. The other 3 games all had tight low lines and could have gone either way. Now, on the road for this one and considering that the Rebels are just 4-8 SU on the road this season, there is really no justification for UNLV being a double digit favorite in this one. The line opened up at an 8.5 and moved to as high as a 10 and I am stepping in on the other side of the move and going with the "ugly home dog" theory in this one. Especially being the last game of the regular season, look for the Spartans to go all out here and keep this game much closer than many are expecting. 10* SAN JOSE STATE

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #647 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Marquette Golden Eagles vs Seton Hall Pirates @ 2:30 ET - The odds makers are sharp. That said, the first game between these teams easily stayed under the total and yet this total opened up at a higher number than the first meeting! Why? Well, for one thing these teams had a ridiculous 2nd half in the first meeting. They had combined for 77 points at halftime but then the Golden Eagles scored only 18 points in the 2nd half of the game. That happened at Seton Hall and I guarantee that won't happen with Marquette as the host in the rematch. Home in Milwaukee for this one, look for the Eagles to score plenty but their weakness is they won't be able to stop Seton Hall. The Pirates have averaged 74 points per game in their last 3 meetings with Marquette. Also, Seton Hall enters this game scoring an average of 77 points per game their last 4 games. The Golden Eagles have scored an average of 80 points per game on their home floor this season. Both teams enter off a win in which they scored more than 80 points and that confidence spills right into this game and both teams continue their high-scoring ways. 10* OVER the total in Marquette

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #607 Saturday 8* Providence Friars (+) @ Villanova Wildcats @ Noon ET - The Friars have plenty of motivation here as they have lost 5 straight games against the Wildcats. This includes getting knocked out of the Big East tourney by Villanova each of the last two years. Providence eyes payback here as they also lost at home to the Cats earlier this season. The Friars could be catching Nova at the ideal time. One of the Wildcats best players, Connor Gillespie, is questionable with a thigh injury here. 3 of the last 6 meetings between these teams have been decided by 6 or less points. Villanova does enter this game on a 5-game winning streak but that was preceded by a 3-game losing streak which was capped off by a home loss to Seton Hall. What does that have to do with this game? The Wildcats next game is at Seton Hall! This is a lookahead spot for Villanova. The Friars enter this game off 3 straight wins and having won 5 of their last 7 games. The timing is perfect and the road team is the more motivated team and playing some of their best basketball of the season. Give me the points! 8* PROVIDENCE

Ivy Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #861 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cornell Big Red vs Dartmouth Big Green @ 7 ET - This total has been pushed too low. The Big Red could get Jordan Jones and/or Jimmy Boeheim back tonight. But, either way, Cornell has averaged scoring 61.5 points (in regulation time) in the two games since Boeheim got hurt. Also, this is a revenge game from the ugly 75-53 loss at Dartmouth two weeks ago which was the game in which Boeheim got hurt early. This actually increases the likelihood that he'll be back tonight to be part of the revenge attack. But again, either way, I like the over plenty in this one. The total has simply been pushed too low by over-reaction to the fact the Big Red allowed just 45 points in their most recent game. Keep in mind, Cornell had allowed 74.4 points per game in regulation time of their 7 games that preceded the low-scoring win versus Brown. Also, the Big Green enter this game having scored an average of 67 points per game in going 3-1 their last 4 contests. The issue for Dartmouth on the road has been defense. The Big Green have lost 7 straight road games and have allowed an average of 68 points per game in those 7 defeats. You can see, per the above, why I am expecting this game to get into the mid-130s and yet we're dealing with a total in the mid-120s. I'll take it! 10* OVER the total in Cornell

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #875 Friday 10* Top Play Kent State Golden Flashes (+) @ Ohio University Bobcats @ 6:30 ET - The Golden Flashes are a perfect 2-0 SU and ATS the last two times they have been a road dog. However, their two most recent road games saw them first lose a tight one as a small favorite and then get blasted by 21 points as a small favorite at Eastern Michigan. After that embarrassing losses, the Golden Flashes have had their next road game circled blood red as a chance to redeem themselves. Riding the momentum of a home win versus Miami-Ohio, Kent State now will continue their series dominance against the Bobcats. The Golden Flashes are 6-1 SU in their last 7 meetings with Ohio University. The Bobcats are off a big home win versus Buffalo but are 1-4 SU the last 5 times they have entered a game off a SU win. The win for Ohio U over Buffalo was the first time this season that they have beaten a team that currently has a winning record in MAC games. Now the Bobcats face a Kent team that already owns wins over Buffalo and Akron this season. The fact is that the Golden Flashes are the better team and can rise to the occasion in a tough situation. That said, I have no hesitation grabbing them on the road here against an Ohio University team that has had its share of struggles on its home floor. 10* KENT STATE

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #615 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Purdue Boilermakers vs Indiana Hoosiers @ 7 ET - These teams have played some ugly games in recent meetings but that has led to this total being kept to low by the betting markets. There are plenty of signs pointing to this game getting well into the 130s and yet this total has dipped into the 120s in early market activity. The Boilermakers are on a 4-game losing streak but 2 of those defeats came on the road. Purdue has continued to score well in home games. Prior to being held to 63 points at home against Michigan, the Boilermakers averaged scoring 76.6 points per game in their 5 preceding home games. Speaking of hot scoring, Indiana is "feeling it" right now. The Hoosiers have won 3 of their last 4 games and scored an average of 75 points in those 3 wins. Indiana has allowed an average of 70.6 points per game their last 8 games. The Boilermakers have allowed an average of 74 points per game their last 4 games. Given all of the above, you can see why this game getting into the 140s would certainly not be a total shock. That is why I certainly expect this game to get well into the 130s and that makes this one a very strong play given the line value we're getting here. 10* OVER the total in Purdue

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #601 Thursday 10* Top Play Delaware Fightin Blue Hens (+) @ College of Charleston Cougars @ 6 ET - The Cougars have won 8 straight meetings between these teams. The College of Charleston is also at home for this game. In typical contrarian fashion, I am on Delaware in this one! But certainly it is not without reason. The Fightin Blue Hens are the better team this season and they have plenty of motivation here. Delaware blew a 6 point home lead against the Cougars in late December for their 8th straight loss in this series. The key to the value in the rematch is that the College of Charleston has lost 4 straight games both SU and ATS. Additionally, the Cougars have failed to cover 9 of their last 13 games. They're simply not playing well and not faring well at the betting window either. As for Delaware, they do enter this game off a loss but the Fightin Blue Hens had won 8 of 9 SU and 6 of 8 ATS prior to the home loss to Hofstra. Off that ugly loss by a double digit margin and having not forgotten their ugly loss by a double digit margin at home against the Cougars, look for the Hens to roll on the road in this one! The last 3 times when the Fightin Blue Hens were off an ATS loss they have gone a perfect 3-0 ATS in their next game. Look for them to again thrive in that role in this one. 10* DELAWARE

Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #812 Wednesday 10* Top Play Penn State Nittany Lions (-) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ 7 ET - The set up here is perfect. The Nittany Lions are off back to back losses. They shot the ball poorly from long-range in a home upset loss to Illinois. That then carried over to a road loss at Indiana. Now, back at home, Penn State gets rolling again from beyond the arc. Keep in mind, prior to back to back losses, the Lions had won 8 straight games and averaged 78 points per game! Adding to the value here of the Nittany Lions laying about a half dozen points, Penn State lost at Rutgers by double digits earlier this season. This is a revenge game and now the Lions catch the Scarlet Knights having lost 5 of 7. One of those two Rutgers wins came in OT against a bad Northwestern team. In other words, the Knights aren't playing very well right now and haven't been for about 3 weeks! Look for the Nittany Lions to get payback in a big way in this one. The Scarlet Knights have lost 5 straight road games SU and also are just 1-4 ATS their last 5 games overall. Penn State has only failed to cover twice in their last 10 games. The Nittany Lions are also 17-2 SU in their last 19 home games! Only 1 of their 8 wins in the recent streak came by less than 6 points and that was a 5 point win. In other words, all signs pointing to a home win and cover in this one. 10* PENN STATE

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #781 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs St John's Red Storm @ 6:30 ET - The Wildcats are off a low-scoring grinder win over Xavier on Saturday. You saw how the Musketeers reacted in their next game as their match-up with DePaul last night had 80 points by half-time and went over the total rather easily. I look for a similar situation here with Villanova. We have a higher total to deal with than last night's Xavier game but that's because St John's is known for getting involved in high-scoring games. The Red Storm have allowed 81 points per game their last 4 road games. The Red Storm are off an ugly loss at Seton Hall Sunday but had scored an average of 77 points per game their 4 prior games this month. As for the Wildcats, they are off the aforementioned low-scoring win over the Musketeers, but that extended their winning streak to 4 games and they averaged scoring 80 points per game in their 3 prior wins. Also, Villanova has allowed 72 points per game in their last 3 home games. The Cats will run and gun here with the Red Storm. 10* OVER the total in Villanova

Big 12 Game of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #606 Tuesday 10* Top Play Iowa State Cyclones (-) vs TCU Horned Frogs @ 7 ET - Losing on your home floor is one thing. Losing by 30 points as a host is another thing! The Cyclones just got blasted at home by Texas Tech on Saturday and need to make amends for that here. Iowa State will take advantage of hosting a TCU team that is off a home win and is 0-7 SU in their last 7 road games. The Horned Frogs are also 0-7 ATS in those games! Texas Christian University has held the upper hand in recent meetings between these schools and that has led to line value here with the Cyclones as a host. Iowa State is 6-0 ATS the last 6 times they were at home and coming off an ATS loss. That means we have double perfect trends at play with the Horned Frogs in an 0-7 ATS spot and the Cyclones in a 6-0 ATS spot. Make it a triple perfect spot actually as TCU is also 0-3 ATS the last 3 times they have entered a game off a SU win. It has been a month and a half since the Horned Frogs have won back to back games and I look for them to again fail in that situation here. The Cyclones get their revenge for all the recent losses to TCU including falling just short on the road earlier this season. The home court makes all the difference here. 10* IOWA STATE

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #609 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs DePaul Blue Demons @ 7 ET - Xavier needs to bounce back strong after a low-scoring home loss to Villanova Saturday. Prior to that defeat, the Musketeers had been on a 4-1 run and they averaged 70.5 points per game in the 4 victories. On the season, Xavier is averaging 71.6 points per game at home. In other words, they'll bounce back strong here. The key to the over is that DePaul has been getting involved in plenty of high-scoring games of late. The Blue Demons have scored an average of 70.3 points per game their last 4 games. The issue for DePaul is they can't stop anyone. The Blue Demons have allowed 76 points or more in 6 of their last 8 losses. DePaul has allowed an average of 84 points per game their last 3 games. That even includes a rare win, versus Georgetown, in their most recent game. I am well aware of the under trending in this series but this one is set up perfectly for an over based on the situational aspects of this one. 10* OVER the total in Xavier

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #873 Monday 10* Top Play Louisville Cardinals (+) @ Florida State Seminoles @ 7 ET - The Noles are ranked higher right now than the Cards plus they are at home. However, it is with good reason that this game is priced so low. The road team has revenge and has already beaten Duke on the road this season. The Cardinals lost their two most recent road games and that further strengthens the likelihood of a massive bounce back here. This team is poised for payback here at Florida State. Yes the Seminoles got the upset win at Louisville earlier this season but shot a ridiculous 55% from the field overall and 48% from three point land in that game. You know the Cardinals are going to be in lockdown mode on D against FSU after those embarrassing results in the home loss. The Seminoles are having a great season, there is no doubt about that. But I still feel strongly that the Cardinals are the better team and the revenge angle is strengthening this play. That is the only home loss that the Cards have this season. Now they face a Florida State team that hasn't lost a home game this season. You can see where I am going with this. The Cardinals have a chance at the sweetest type of revenge here and I look for them to return the favor and hand the Seminoles their only home loss of the season. 10* LOUISVILLE

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #858 Saturday 10* Top Play Ohio State Buckeyes (-) vs Maryland Terrapins @ 4 ET - Ohio State continues to show strong home/road dichotomy. The Buckeyes are a great team on their home floor but constantly struggle on the road. This game is at Columbus and unlike the recent miracle win for the Terps at Michigan State, there will be no miracles here. Give Maryland credit, they did play a good game against the Spartans. But they were down by 7 with just a couple minutes left and then ended the game on an insane 14-0 run. That is not happening here against an Ohio State team that is 13-2 SU (and 10-5 ATS) in home games this season. The Terrapins enter this game off a non-covering win versus a bad Northwestern team. Maryland has won 9 straight games and also defeated Ohio State when they hosted the Buckeyes early last month. Now it is time for payback and there there is a reason the higher ranked team is an underdog here. Don't let the line fool you. Ohio State gets revenge on their home floor and they get it in a big way. The Terrapins have won 3 straight match-ups including the most recent one at Columbus so payback is on order here. The Terps are shooting just 39.8% from the field in road games this season. The Buckeyes are shooting 48.9% from the field in home games this season. Look for that to be a difference-maker in the rematch. 10* OHIO STATE

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #821 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indiana Hoosiers vs Penn State Nittany Lions @ Noon ET - The Nittany Lions had been rolling but enter Sunday off an ugly loss to Illinois. In that game Penn State scored only 56 points. This was preceded by a stretch in which PSU scored an average of 78 points per game during an 8-game winning streak. Now this total that opened up at 145 is down to a 143 and I feel we have great value with the over in this match-up. The Hoosiers have been scoring well at home but won't be able to stop an angry Nittany Lions team on the other end in this one. That means we should see plenty of points in this one. Indiana has scored an average of 76 points per game in its last 3 home games. You can see why I am expecting this game to get into the 150s given the above recent trending for these teams. Also, we're getting value here because the last meeting between these teams stayed well under the total but both teams had rare poor shooting nights from beyond the arc. With regards to the rematch, note that the Nittany Lions are hitting 36.3% of their threes in road games this season and the Hoosiers are knocking down 35.3% of their shots from long range in home games this season. Indiana has allowed an average of 80 points per game their last 3 games and this one has all the right ingredients to turn into a back and forth high-scoring affair. 10* OVER the total in Indiana 

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #735 Saturday 10* Top Play Richmond Spiders (-) @ St Bonaventure Bonnies @ 6:30 ET - Great situation here for value. The Spiders are on the road so that keeps this line manageable. In fact, grabbing the money line (in the 120 range as of 9 AM ET) is a solid value here for those with access to it. Richmond has revenge on its mind here as St Bonaventure has held the upper hand in recent meetings between these teams. I like the fact the Bonnies have a respectable record but have struggled when stepping up in class in conference action and that is the case here. St Bonaventure just got hammered by Davidson and also got rolled by Dayton and Virginia Commonwealth and lost to Rhode Island this season. Dayton, Rhode Island, and Richmond are the top 3 teams in the conference standings so I am expecting the Bonnies to again struggle here. The Spiders won at Rhode Island this season and also have a recent win over VCU. Richmond enters this game on a 5-game winning streak and also has revenge on their minds here. The Spiders have lost each of their last 3 meetings with the Bonnies. One was at home, one was on the road, and one was a neutral site Atlantic Ten conference tourney loss. Payback time here. The Spiders have allowed just 52.6 points per game their last 5 games! St Bonaventure has allowed 80 points or more in 5 of their past 9 games! 10* RICHMOND

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #719 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Louisville Cardinals vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 4 ET - I used the over in Louisville's first revenge match-up this week as I knew they wouldn't take their foot off the gas with a chance to blowout Syracuse. Indeed it played out that way as the Cardinals won 90-66. Now, with a chance to get payback against the Tar Heels, I look for Louisville to again pile up the points. North Carolina has been a nemesis for Louisville in recent seasons and that includes knocking them out of the ACC Tourney last March. Now the Cards get a chance at revenge while the Heels are having a down season. They won't pass up this opportunity and, just like the game against the Orange, they won't take their foot off the gas. The Cardinals are averaging 78 points per game at home. The Cards have averaged 84 points per game in their last 4 home games. The Tar Heels are not a very good team defensively this season but are capable of putting up solid point totals in the right situation and this is one of those. Louisville is going for the home rout here and will be willing to play a fast pace with plenty of running up and down the court and quick points in transition. The over is 8-3 in the Cardinals last 11 games. There have been only 4 unders in North Carolina's last 13 games. 10* OVER the total in Louisville

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #642 Saturday 8* Xavier Musketeers (+) vs Villanova Wildcats @ 2:30 ET - Revenge game for the Musketeers as they lost by 6 points as a 5.5 point dog at Villanova in late December. I haven't forgotten that game as I had Xavier there and have been waiting for this rematch. The Musketeers shot only 11% from 3-point land and that was the difference in the game. Though not a great shooting team, Xavier is certain to shoot much better than that on their home floor. Also, the Musketeers enter this game on a perfect 5-0 ATS run and they have won 4 of their last 5 SU too. They catch the Wildcats on a 1-4 ATS slide in Big East games and Villanova is over-valued in this spot in my opinion. Keep in mind the Cats also knocked the Musketeers out of the Big East tourney last March so this game certainly carries plenty of extra meaning for the home team. Xavier did allow 74 points in their win at St John's Monday. However, the Musketeers entered that game having allowed 62 points or less in 5 straight games! As for Villanova, they have allowed 70 points or more in 5 of their last 6 games. 8* XAVIER

Horizon League Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #853 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Mercy Titans vs Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix @ 7 ET - I know this is a very big total posted on this game but both these teams are poor defensively and the Phoenix love to run and gun. As for the Titans, they'll be bringing a strong effort right from the opening tip in this one as they were done in by a very poor first half in their most recent game here and then scored 39 in the 2nd half. Detroit can put up big points in the right situations and this is one of them. Green Bay is off a big win at rival Milwaukee. That game totaled 184 points as the Phoenix continue to rely on offense to win games and they continue to be weak on the defense end. They gave up 90 points to the Panthers in that win and no, there was no overtime! History in this series also suggests a wild game is on tap. There has been just 1 under in the last 8 meetings between these teams. Also, the average points scored in the last 10 meetings between these teams is 180.7 per game. UWGB is allowing opponents to hit 47% from the field in road games this season and 38% from three point land away from home. On the season the Titans are allowing 77.5 points per game and the Phoenix are scoring an average of 81.4 points per game. Given the situation here, as well as the series history and the recent trending for each of these teams, we should see an absolute shootout. Before a low-scoring OT loss in their most recent game, Detroit Mercy had scored an average of 75.4 points per game their 8 preceding games. Now take that level of scoring and match it up with the run and gun Phoenix and you have the makings of a game where each team is likely to get well into the 80s. Green Bay has scored more than 90 points in each of its last 3 victories and here they are taking on a 6-21 Titans team certainly not known as a defensive stalwart. 10* OVER the total in Detroit

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #623 Thursday 10* Top Play Ohio State Buckeyes (+) @ Iowa Hawkeyes @ 7 ET - The Hawkeyes have been great at home and are laying a small number here. However, don't let that fool you. There is a reason this game is priced that way. Iowa is likely to again be without CJ Fredrick. The guard is one of their top players but is dealing with a bad ankle sprain. If he does play he won't be 100%. Also, the Hawkeyes are off a road win but they've haven't won back to back games since a 5-game winning streak wrapped up 3 weeks ago. The Buckeyes come into this game rolling as they have won 5 of 6 games. However, their last road game was an ugly loss at Wisconsin. Not only does Ohio State want to make up for that here, they also haven't forgotten their last visit to Iowa. In that game the Hawkeyes blasted them by double digits in a game the Buckeyes led at halftime. It is payback time here. When Iowa is off a tight win (margin of 6 or less points) they have gone 0-8 ATS. Ohio State is 6-0 SU and ATS this season when they enter a game off 2 or more consecutive home wins. The Buckeyes are also 6-0 SU and ATS this season when off a game in which they allowed 55 points or less. 10* OHIO STATE

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #627 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Temple Owls vs Connecticut Huskies @ 7 ET - The Owls are ready to hit the floor running tonight. They are off a home loss to Villanova Sunday in which they were really shut down in the 2nd half and managed a total of only 56 points for the game. The Huskies defense took a major blow with the loss of 6'9 shot-blocker Akok Akok in the very first minute of the game against Memphis Sunday. Connecticut managed to win without him as they defeated the Tigers but, long-term, that is going to be a major blow for the Huskies in terms of defense around the rim. Look for Temple to immediately take advantage. Also, even though the over is only 3-2 in the last 5 meetings between these teams, note that all 5 of those games totaled 138 points or more. I really like the great value here with today's posted total being held in the mid-130s. The Owls loss to the Wildcats stayed under the total but they entered that game on a 3-game over streak. The Huskies win over Memphis stayed under the total but they entered that game having gone 5-1 to the over in their 6 prior games. The Owls had averaged 79.3 points per game in regulation time of their 3 home games prior to the loss to Nova. UConn has averaged 70 points per game in its last 3 road games. 10* OVER the total in Temple

Total of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #785 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Louisville Cardinals vs Syracuse Orange @ 7 ET - This total, as of very early game day morning, has dropped quite far from its opener and I won't hesitate to step in on the added value. The Orange have had just 1 under in their past 8 games. The Cardinals have seen 7 of their past 10 games result in an over. Syracuse consistently allows 70 points per game and has allowed 82.3 points per game in its last 4 games. Louisville has revenge on their mind here as they lost last season at Syracuse by 20 points. The Cardinals had been red hot all season long but now enter this game off back to back road losses. At home, angry, playing with revenge...Louisville will NOT take their foot off the gas in this game. That said, Syracuse certainly is a vulnerable defense that is capable of giving up a ton of points. At the same time though, the Orange have also scored an average of 76 points per game their past 9 games. The Cardinals have scored 80 points or more in each of their last 3 home games. Look for this one to fly over the total because, given the situation (as noted above), there will be no let up from the Cards and they'll be running hard and scoring big all night long. 10* OVER the total in Louisville

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #782 Wednesday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (-) vs Butler Bulldogs @ 6:30 ET - We're getting some line value here because Bulldogs point guard Aaron Thompson has been upgraded to probable and that has moved the line a little toward Butler. He is not a big scorer but he leads them team in assists and, as such, is attracting some attention here. Thompson had missed the Georgetown game which was the Bulldogs 6th loss in their past 10 games. However, even though he is coming back, Thompson was on the floor when Butler lost as a host versus Seton Hall earlier this season. Additionally, the last 3 road games Thompson has played in, the Bulldogs have gone 0-3 and lost all 3 by double digits. With Seton Hall still at the top of the Big East but off back to back losses, the Pirates are hell bent on a huge game at home for this one. Seton Hall is not only off B2B losses overall but also has lost each of its past two home games after starting the season 10-1 SU at home. That is why I am backing the Pirates for a huge bounce back effort here and they should cover the short number as well. Nearly all their wins have come by a margin of at least a half dozen points this season. 10* SETON HALL

Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #606 Tuesday 10* Top Play Penn State Nittany Lions (-) vs Illinois Illini @ 6:30 ET - Penn State has been red hot. The Nittany Lions enter this game having won 8 in a row both SU and ATS! The Illini enter this game having lost 4 in a row SU and they covered just 1 of those 4 losses. Also, Illinois has lost 6 straight games to Penn State SU and also is on an 0-7 ATS run in games against the Nittany Lions. As you can see, there are streaks galore that support a play on PSU in this one but there is also more. The leading scorer for the Illini is Ayo Dosunmu and he is listed as questionable for this game. If he plays I don't expect him to be 100% physically or mentally for that matter. He took a very nasty fall at the end of the Illinois loss to Michigan State. Though the MRI ended up showing no structural damage the fact is that it was very ugly and is not an injury you just bounce right back from. Dosunmu missed the next game, 15 point loss at Rutgers, and could miss this game as well. Again, even if he does play I do not expect him to be playing at his normal high level and he had some rough shooting performances in recent games too. Right now the Nittany Lions are roaring and I don't see them getting knocked off at home here. Penn State has Indiana on deck but that is not a big deal as they already beat them by 15 during this 8-game winning streak. In other words, there is no lookahead here, the Nittany Lions are at home, and the Illini are both slumping (0-4 SU L4) and hurting (leading scorer questionable). All signs point to a home blowout here so I have no hesitation in laying the half dozen points here. 10* PENN STATE

Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #863 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 7 ET - The Tar Heels have had just 4 unders in their last 15 games. North Carolina takes to the road after an intense defensive effort Saturday went for naught when Virginia drained a 3-pointer to hand the Heels a last-second loss. That is the type of game that means the Tar Heels defense won't be traveling with them here per se. It is simply very difficult to come up with strong defensive efforts in back to back games and I look for this match-up with Notre Dame to turn into a run and gun affair. Keep in mind, North Carolina had allowed 79 points per game in their two prior games (not including OT versus Duke). As for the Irish, they have allowed 77 points per game in their last 4 home games. The over went a perfect 4-0 in those games as the Fighting Irish also scored an average of 83 points per game in those home games. Notre Dame is coming off a home game versus Duke in which they allowed 94 points. The Irish offensive production has been bottled up in recent games but that had a lot to do with whom they were facing. That all changes here against a Tar Heels team having a rough season. This game played very loose with plenty of points considering what these teams are coming off of. The first game between these teams this season continued the trend of unders in recent meetings between these foes. However, the pace was there for an over and the situation with both these teams is much different late in the season than it was early in the season. North Carolina becoming cemented in the bottom of the ACC standings and the Irish turn to their normally potent offense at home to carry them in this one. The result will be an absolute shootout. 10* OVER the total in Notre Dame

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #861 Monday 10* Top Play Xavier Musketeers (-) @ St John's Red Storm @ 6:30 ET - The Musketeers enter this game on a perfect 4-0 ATS run. Xavier is also a perfect 10-0 SU in the last 10 meetings between these teams. The Red Storm are 0-3 SU when off a win. Keep in mind St John's had lost 9 of their last 11 games before their rare win over Providence Wednesday. The Musketeers had won 3 in a row before their loss at Butler Wednesday. The Red Storm are also now without 2nd leading scorer Mustapha Heron. You can see that we have triple perfect support in terms of trending for this play. With the Musketeers off a loss and St John's off a rare win, I am looking for the streak to reach 11 in a row in this series! 10* XAVIER

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #847 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boise State Broncos vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 4 ET - The Broncos would love to knock off the 25-0 Aztecs here. We could see a bit of a letdown from San Diego State in terms of defensive intensity too. That's because they just locked up the MWC title. Yes, they have already clinched with 4 games to go in the season. As for the Broncos, they know they're unlikely to top the Aztecs in a low-scoring grinder. They need to play fast and move the ball well to create easy scoring opportunities like they did in the second half of their win over Air Force earlier this week. Boise State is averaging 83.7 points per game at home this season. San Diego State is averaging 76.5 points per game on the road this season. The over is 5-1 in the Aztecs last 6 games. The over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. When these teams meet at San Diego State, the Broncos have struggled to score well at time. But in their last 4 neutral site meetings or games played at Boise State, the Broncos have averaged 79.3 points per game. Of course the Aztecs are favored here for a reason (going 25-0 is no accident!) but you can see why San Diego State is projected to have to score plenty here to topple Boise State. The Broncos are a very tough home team (12-1 this season) and score very well as a host. The result is plenty of points in this one Sunday. 10* OVER the total in Boise State

PA Insider - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #821 Sunday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) @ Temple Owls @ 1 ET - This is a big game as part of the Big 5 in Philly each year. The Wildcats usually win the Big 5 Title in Philly and they are 3-0 this season in Big 5 action while the Owls are 2-1. That means Temple can earn a share of the title with the upset win here. However, Villanova is going to prove to be too much here. Yes the Wildcats had endured a recent losing streak but they faced very stiff competition and their most recent 1-point win was a game in which Nova led by 18 points in the 2nd half. As for the Owls, they have started winning again but have faced weak competition too. They are off a win versus Tulane, the worst team in the AAC, and Temple actually was trailing by 13 points near the midway point of the 2nd half of that game. The point is that the Owls were well on their way to losing outright to a very bad team before they rallied while the Cats are off a game in which they were on their way to a blowout win over a quality opponent before barely hanging on. Those results give us line value here with a rather short number on Villanova. Temple is off back to back wins but had lost 8 of 10 prior to that. Also, 2 of their 3 most recent wins have come against East Carolina and the Green Wave. Those teams are a combined 6-18 in AAC action this season. The Wildcats have battled it out with 3 straight Top 25 teams and now are going to take advantage of a step down in level of competition here. Keep in mind that even though this game is at Temple, both these teams are Philly teams. In other words, it is not much of a "road game" at all. The Wildcats roll. 10* VILLANOVA

Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #730 Saturday 10* Top Play Michigan State Spartans (-) vs Maryland Terrapins @ 6 ET - The Terrapins are ranked in the top 10 in the country right now while the Spartans have fallen out of the top 25. Maryland has won 7 straight games while Michigan State had lost 3 straight games prior to notching a tight 1-point win at Illinois Tuesday. That said, why did Michigan State open up in the range of a 7-point favorite for this one? Precisely! Don't be fooled as the Spartans are set to roll to a double digit win on their home floor here. Their most recent game as a host was a rare home loss as a surging Penn State team went into East Lansing and got the upset win. Prior to that, the Spartans were 10-1 SU at home this season. Also, their point differential is 23 points at home as Michigan State's games as a host have had an average score of 83 to 60. Even though Maryland has been hot, this is still a Terrapins team that is just 3-4 SU on the road this season. The Terps have a point differential of only 2.5 points on the road this season as they have averaged 68.9 points but allowed 66.4 points in road games this season. The Spartans are known for dominating the paint in match-ups with Maryland. The Terrapins do have 6'10 Jalen Smith but are really lacking in talented big men when it comes to depth. Look for Michigan State to, as per usual, wear down the Terps as this one goes on. The Spartans have dominated home meetings with Maryland and, overall, have won the last 3 match-ups by an average margin of 16.7 points per game. That is the range I expect this one to finish in as well. The Spartans are use to being at the top of the Big Ten but right now the Terrapins occupy that spot. Undoubtedly the home team has something to say about that here. 10* MICHIGAN STATE

SEC Total of the Year - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #645 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kentucky Wildcats vs Ole Miss Rebels @ 2:00 ET - Ole Miss is rolling with momentum right now. The Rebels are off a third straight win as they just knocked off rival Mississippi State Tuesday. The Rebels have averaged 78.3 points per game their last 3 games. The over is 6-3 in the last 9 meetings between these teams including a perfect 3-0 L3. Many of those overs have absolutely crushed the posted totals and I feel this one will too. The average score of the last 10 meetings between these teams is Kentucky 85, Ole Miss 71. The Wildcats also enter this game on a 3-game winning streak and they have averaged 78.3 points per game in those 3 victories. On the season the Wildcats are averaging 77.4 points per game at home. I know that the Rebels have some ugly full season numbers in terms of scoring on the road but the way they have been playing of late and the fact Kentucky has a big game on deck at LSU (also 9-2 in SEC like the Cats are) has me expecting Ole Miss to score very well in this game. The problem for the Rebels will be, like it is for most teams playing Kentucky, they won't be able to slow down the Wildcats here. UK is off a win versus Vanderbilt Tuesday which totaled 142 points. That would have gone over given today's number but though it resulted in an under in that game, the over was on a 10-3 run in Wildcats games heading into that match-up with the Commodores. 10* OVER the total in Kentucky

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #607 Saturday 8* Purdue Boilermakers (+) @ Ohio State Buckeyes @ Noon ET - The Boilermakers are off a loss and allowed 88 points. This followed a stretch that had seen Purdue win 3 straight games. I expect them to bounce right back here as the Boilermakers are 5-0 SU the last 5 times they are off a loss in which they allowed 70 points or more. Purdue is facing a Buckeyes team today which is off a non-covering home win versus Rutgers. That dropped Ohio State to 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. They continue to be over-valued in my opinion. Yes, I know the Buckeyes have a strong SU record at home but, in Big Ten home games prior to facing the Scarlet Knights, Ohio State was just 2-2 SU and one of those wins came against a bad Nebraska team. Also, last weekend we saw the Buckeyes get absolutely destroyed at Wisconsin as the game wasn't even as close as the 70-57 final would lead one to believe. The Boilermakers have confidence here as they won at Columbus last season plus blasted the Buckeyes when they hosted them last season. Coming off a home loss but having won their two prior road games, the Boilers get it done again on the road here. If they do fall short I expect the defeat to come by just a bucket or two. Grab the points. 8* PURDUE

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #865 Friday 10* Top Play Davidson Wildcats (+) @ St Bonaventure Bonnies @ 7 ET - There is a reason this line is set lower than many would expect. St Bonaventure is 17-8 this season and 9-3 in conference games. Davidson is only a game above .500 on the season overall and in conference games. Also, the Wildcats are on the road here. So the Bonnies should be favored by much more than just the typical 3 or 4 points that is considered the home court edge, right? Long-time followers know how I feel about supposed "flawed lines" or "bad numbers". The fact is the line is set this way with good reason. For one thing Davidson has been a bit of a nemesis of St Bonaventure's in recent years. The Bonnies confidence tends to be "shot" when they are facing the Wildcats. Also, a big key here as it relates to the overall records of these teams and the fact that St Bonaventure enters this game on a 5-game winning streak, the Wildcats have played a much tougher schedule this season. Also all of the Bonnies A-10 wins (except one upset win by a 3-point margin over Duquesne) have come against teams at the bottom of the standings. All those teams have a record of 4-7 or worse in A-10 action. The non-conference schedule is where Davidson has faced a much tougher schedule. Also, in A-10 action the Wildcats lost at VCU by 11 points while the Bonnies lost by 28 points. Davidson's only other two losses in the past 5 weeks each came by 6 or less points. The Wildcats are a tough team to pull away from and the Bonnies haven't even been able to beat the Cats in recent meetings let alone pull away for any kind of margin. Give me the points. 10* DAVIDSON

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Rotation #623 Thursday 10* Top Play Wichita State Shockers (-) @ UCF Knights @ 7 ET - Perfect set up here. The Knights are off a win versus Tulsa. That is was an impressive victory for UCF. Keep in mind the only other 3 wins they have in AAC action came against the 3 worst teams in the conference: South Florida, East Carolina, Tulane. Also, prior to rare back to back wins for the Knights, they were barely a .500 team on the season. Now we can fade them with an angry Shockers team that, not too long ago, was 15-1 on the season! Wichita State is fired up after an extremely embarrassing 76-43 loss at Houston. Yes, the Shockers have lost 3 straight games now but they played 3 of the top teams in the conference: Tulsa, Cincinnati, Houston. Those 3 teams have a combined record of 26-8 in AAC action. Now, taking on a team which they are 4-0 against and a team that is only 4-7 in AAC action this season, Wichita State will take advantage. Perfect set up here as the Shockers are off their worst game in AAC action on the season while the Knights are off their best game in conference action on the season. The result here will be a road rout in this ideal scenario. 10* WICHITA STATE