Jan. 13 Plays

We picked up 6 more units last night, thanks to another Big Ten under for 4 Units. Those Big Ten unders are too easy sometimes. We’re at +15 on the year and looking to build on that with 18 Units in play tonight.

Cincinnati at St. John’s (-1)
The Johnnies have started 0-3 in the Big East, but stayed competitive in road games against Georgetown and Louisville.
The Storm has showed signs of being able to put a whole game together, but has yet to do it.
Cincinnati meanwhile has struggled on the road this season with its only win coming at Rutgers.
This is a matchup between two teams looking to improve their standing in the conference compared to the past couple of seasons. St. John’s needs this one badly and will get it. Take the Johnnies for 3 Units.

St. Louis at Duquesne (-6.5)
The Billikens are running into the Dukes at the wrong time. Duquesne, which was picked as one of the dark horses in the A-10 this season, nearly defeated conference favorite Dayton on the road over the weekend. But Duquesne lost in overtime.
St. Louis earned a strong home victory over Richmond, which has been playing well of late. But the Billikens now must travel to face a Duquesne team determined not to start its conference slate 0-3.
St. Louis is known for its defense, but the quickness of Duquesne should bother St Louis and no one will be able to matchup with the Dukes’ double-double machine, Damian Saunders. Take Duquesne for 4 Units.

Wichita State (-4) at Indiana State
After losing their first Missouri Valley game, the Shockers have since ripped off four straight wins and sit now travel to face Indiana State at 3-2.
The Sycamores have been somewhat surprising in the conference schedule, but they have had a relatively easy schedule to this point. Their wins came against Evansville, Drake and Creighton, all likely to finish in the bottom half of the league.
WSU is eyeing a conference title and that means a win at ISU is a must. During their four-game streak, the Shockers’ defense has been phenomenal holding teams to 38 percent shooting in their last five games.
ISU will be without guard Jake Kelly who was lost for the season with a knee injury in the last game. He started 12 games, and averaged 9 points.
Look for that defense to be the key and for the Shockers to cover the number. Take WSU for 3 Units.

Texas at Iowa State 152.5
The Longhorns have averaed 89 points over their last five games and are beginning to get big contributions from freshman Avery Bradley.
Iowa State has a strong offense of its own, averaging 80 points per game at home and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Texas will defend, but likes to create a fast paced tempo, which the Cyclones won’t mind falling into either.
The Longhorns don’t waste much time getting into their offense, and Iowa State will be playing aggressively at home trying to defeat the No. 1 team in the nation so they should be able to score from the free throw line and knock down some 3-pointers. Take the over for 3 Units.

Wisconsin (-3.5) at Northwestern
The Wildcats have always been a tough matchup for Wisconsin, especially in Evanston, because they play a similar style to the Badgers.
They are one of the few teams that matches up with them and does not mind playing the methodical style.
The Badgers will be without junior forward Jon Leuer, who broke his wrist in the last game. He was a consistent option for Wisconsin this season in the post and will be missed, especially as a mismatch for the opponent.
This is a prime opportunity for Northwestern to pull an upset and notch another resume builder for March. Take Northwestern for 3 Units.

San Diego State at UNLV (-6.5)
Finally, we have a road underdog in the Mountain West. This conference is one of the more underrated in the nation, and might be better than the Pac 10 this season.
San Diego State followed its big win over New Mexico with a curious road loss to Wyoming. The Aztecs now travel to Vegas and should give the Rebels all they can handle. The depth and balance of the Aztecs should allow them to stay in this one until the end.
Take SDSU for 2 Units.