Dec. 22 - 24 Units in play

Looking to get out of the red with a big night tonight.

Tulsa (-5) at Nebraska
The Golden Hurricane stands at 9-1 and is playing well having just defeated Oklahoma State by 21 points. They feature 7-footer Jerome Jordan, point guard Ben Uzoh (16.3 ppg), and staunch defense, having held five of 10 opponents below 50 points.
The Huskers meanwhile have been battling injuries to their backcourt, forcing Huskers coach Doc Sadler to use five different starting lineups in 10 games. The uncertain lineup has caused problems offensively, and they have not scored 60 points in their last two games.
The Tulsa defense will give the Huskers fits in this one, and their size down low should limit Nebraska’s second-chance opportunities. Take Tulsa for 4 Units.

Loyola-Maryland at Indiana (-7.5)
The Hoosiers are playing much better basketball nowadays compared to November when they lost to Boston and George Mason.
Tom Crean has brought up last year’s loss to Lipscomb at Assembly Hall in practice this week, he said, and upperclassmen Verdell Jones and Devan Dumes want to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again.
Loyola stands at 5-5, even with IU, but has not played anyone in a BCS conference so far this season.
The Hoosiers have too much talent here for Loyola to keep this one close, especially at Assembly Hall. Take IU for 3 Units.

Michigan State at Texas (-9) O/U 152.5
The Longhorns looked good in a convincing victory over the defending national championship North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday. They were able to hang 100 on UNC, and showed exactly why they were a top 5 team in the country. They have the inside presence with Damion James and Dexter Pittman, along with the guard play from Avery Bradley to really put some points on the scoreboard.
But the Spartans can fill it up, too, with their own powerful frontcourt and leading scorer Kalin Lucas at the point. This one could turn into a track meet with both teams making a lot of plays.
These teams match up well against each other, and MSU has won the last three meetings, so don’t count them out in this one. The Spartans should be able to hang around and score with Texas.
Take MSU for 2 Units and the over for 4 Units.

Marshall at North Carolina (-13)
The Thundering Herd likes to get up and down the floor, and has scored in the 90s four times this season. The only problem is, that’s the exact type of game UNC loves to play, having averaged 84 points this season.
Also, the Tar Heels are coming off a loss to Texas, so expect them to give their best effort in this one. Take UNC for 2 Units.

Butler at UAB (-1.5)
Although the Blazers lost their top four scorers from last season, they are off to a 10-1 start, including a big win over Cincinnati last week.
UAB is doing it with defense, holding opponents to 57.5 points per game, and it has won 30 straight nonconference home games.
Butler is finishing up a brutal nonconference schedule, after recently defeating Xavier in a controversial finish.
UAB is led by Elijah Millsap, whose bloodlines have helped this handicapper cash in some serious units in the past.
The Blazers are looking for some national recognition, and a win here would give that to them.
Take UAB for 4 Units.

California at Kansas O/U 153.5
The Jayhawks love to get up and down the floor, and have the weapons to easily score in the 80s, while Cal has the outside shooting to score in bunches.
The Golden Bears will be motivated to prove themselves worthy of their preseason ranking, which has since gone by the wayside. More importantly, they are playing better with Theo Robertson back in the lineup, and he gives them one more go-to scorer along with Patrick Christopher and Jerome Randle.
This game will be played in the 80s, so take the over for 3 Units.

Colorado St. at UCLA (-10)
The Bruins have shown signs that they are coming out of their early season slump, hanging tough at Notre Dame in a 84-73 loss. They are 3-7, but Colorado State is 0-3 on the road.
It’s hard to have a lot of faith in UCLA at this point, but Ben Howland will get this team turned around, and they should be able to use their athleticism to distance themselves from the Rams.
Take UCLA for 2 Units.