Jan. 9 Plays

We are looking to push farther into the black with 22 Units in play.

Florida at Vanderbilt O/U 136
The Gators have struggled with their outside shooting all season, averaging just 29 percent from 3-point range. In their last five games, they are 21.9 percent from long distance, and have to face a Vandy team holding opponents under 40 percent this season.
The Commodores rely quite a bit on outside shooting themselves, and will run into a Florida team that is tops in the SEC in 3-point defense.
Neither team has shot particularly well from the free throw line either this season, meaning this one could shape up to be a low-scoring affair. Take the under for 3 Units.

Purdue at Wisconsin O/U 126.5
In Wisconsin’s last six games, the total has finished under the number each time. This should be the seventh in a row against another defensive-minded team in Purdue.
The benefit of picking the under when Wisconsin is involved is that the Badgers always limit live-ball turnovers, meaning they work the shot clock and surrender few transition baskets off of steals.
Wisconsin also rarely gambles on defense and stays in good position, which limits second chance points and makes the other team work on offense.
Purdue employs a similar defense with a slightly more aggressive style. Either way, Wisconsin will play its game in the Kohl Center and slow this one down. Take the under for 4 Units.

Kansas St. at Missouri (-4.5)
The Wildcats have moved all the way up to 10th in the rankings thanks to a 10-game winning streak. Over that span they’ve beaten some solid teams, such as UNLV, Xavier and Washington State. But KSU has yet to face a defense like Missouri’s, which ranks ninth in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted defensive efficiency.
The Tigers thrive on forcing their opponents into turnovers and creating a frantic pace leading to transition opportunities.
Missouri has fared well against similar opponents at home this season, and they have allowed teams to shoot just 36 percent at home.
It’s time for the Wildcats to come back to earth against the best defense they have faced by far this season. Take Missouri as our stone-cold, lead-pipe, Jimmer-third-game-bowling-under lock of the week for 5 Units.

Northern Iowa at Illinois St. (-1)
This is a matchup of two of the top teams in the Missouti Valley Conference. Northern Iowa comes in at 4-0 after a solid road win at Southern Illinois, while Illinois State is 8-1 at home this season.
The Panthers have established that record with defense, but the Redbirds have been shooting well lately at a 46.5 percent clip in their last five games, including 37 percent from 3-point range. ISU will find enough scoring to take this important conference game. Take Illinois St. for 2 Units.

Cincinnati at Seton Hall (-4.5)
Seton Hall has gotten off to a rough start in its Big East schedule at 0-3, but the Pirates have played the top three ranked teams in the league. They’ve played Syracuse and West Virginia tough at home, and should be hungry for their first win against a Cincinnati team that hasn’t fared too well on the road so far this season.
Seton Hall has the size to match up with the Bearcats, and if they shoot well enough should be able to control this game. Look for Jeremy Hazell to snap out of his mini-slump in front of the home fans. Take the Hall for 3 Units.

Oklahoma at Baylor (-8)
The Sooners have been a big disappointment so far this season, and Jeff Capel was frustrated after their loss to Gonzaga last weekend.
The problem has been defensively as they’ve allowed 71 points per game.
Meanwhile, Baylor has quietly been one of the better team in the country over the past month and open up Big 12 play hosting the Sooners.
Baylor should win this game with their strong guard play, but if the Sooners are truly serious about turning things around, they’ll keep it closer than the number. Take Oklahoma for 2 Units.

West Virginia (-3.5) at Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish have always been a tough team to beat in the Joyce Center, and although they are thought to be down this year, they can still catch fire at home.
Notre Dame ranks third in offensive efficiency, and although West Virginia is a strong defensive team they are prone to giving up the 3-point shot as evidence by their game against Marquette a couple of weeks ago.
ND can also play the inside-out game with all-American Luke Harangody able to facilitate open shots for Ben Hansbrough and Tory Jackson.
The Mountaineers clearly have the more talented roster, but it’s worth taking the Irish at home in a tough environment.
If ‘Gody is serious about getting ND back in the NCAA Tournament, this win would go a long way in March. Take ND for 3 Units.