Jan. 27 Plays

After picking up 8 Units last night, we look for 18 more tonight.

Illinois (-1) at Penn State
The Nittany Lions suffered a crushing defeat at the Kohl Center on Sunday after holding a 16-point lead in the second half. PSU went to 0-7 in the Big Ten and now has to face an Illinois team hungry for a win after losing three straight.
Penn State’s offense starts and ends with Talor Battle, who doesn’t match up well against the physical and quick Illinois guards.
Battle may get his, but no other Lion averages in double figures.
The Illini will win this one in a less than intimidating atmosphere at University Park. Take Illinois for 4 Units.

Temple (-1) at Charlotte
This is a huge game for the Charlotte 49ers’ hopes to make it to the NCAA Tournament, and it just so happens to be a showdown for first place in the Atlantic 10.
The Niners have the size inside with BC transfer Shamari Spears and experience in the backcourt with senior DiJuan Harris.
Temple’s defense is tough, but the Owls will be entering a rabid atmosphere with Niners fans having camped out for this one against a ranked opponent.
Oh yeah, and it’s Harris’ daughter, Zoey’s, first birthday. You can’t bet against that. Take Charlotte for 4 Units.

Memphis (-1.5) at Marshall
Marhsall’s 15-4 record is inflated due to an extremely weak schedule, and the Tigers will look to stay in the rear view mirror of UAB for the Conference USA race.
Memphis has too much talent here for Marhsall to win this one, and look for the guard play of Elliot Williams and Roburt Sallie to be the difference.
Take Memphis for 2 Units.

Florida State at Duke (-14)
The Blue Devils are tough at home, but the Seminoles are playing with a lot of confidence right now having just defeated Georgia Tech.
The Seminoles are too solid on defense to let this game get out of hand, and they will find enough scoring from Derwin Kitchen and Michael Snaer to stay in it. Take FSU for 2 Units.

Brigham Young at New Mexico 151
Both of these teams can fill it up, and the Lobos especially like to get out and run at home.
The Cougars have one of the best scorers and shooters in the country in Jimmer Fredette, and this should be an exciting, up-and-down affair.
They both have efficient offenses that start with strong guard play. Take the over for 3 Units.

Vanderbilt at Tennessee (-5.5)
The Commodores will just keep coming at their opponent with 10 players averaging at least nine minutes. Four of those 10 average at least 10 points.
This is compared to a Tennessee team that is short-handed after the dismissal of Tyler Smith and suspension of Brian Williams. Also Wayne Chism has been bothered by a knee sprain.
The Vols will be looking for a win after an embarrassing loss to Georgia, but the depth of Vanderbilt along with its balanced scoring will help keep this one close. Take Vandy for 3 Units.