Feb. 4 Plays

We took it on the chin last night, but look to bounce back with 16 Units tonight.

Tennessee (-6.5) at LSU 132
The Vols have been playing poorly lately, but they are still 16-4 and still in the race for the SEC title. Tennessee can’t afford to drop this one, and the Vols defense will give a Tigers team that has averaged just 58 points in its last five games some fits.
LSU’s only chance is to make this a halfcourt game, but there will be too many scoring droughts for the Tigers to stay in this.
Take Tennessee for 2 Units and the under for 3 Units.

Cincinnati at Notre Dame (-3)
Even though the Irish have had a down year, they still have one of the tougher home court advantages in college basketball.
Notre Dame is coming off a pair of losses, including one to previously winless Rutgers. Mike Brey scheduled an extra practice this week, and when he did that last year they crushed a good Louisville team at home.
The Bearcats have won just one game on the road this season and it was at Rutgers. Look for ND’s outside shooting to be the difference. Take the Irish for 4 Units.

California at USC (-1)
The Golden Bears are in the lead in the Pac 10 and have been playing better basketball of late. Cal was the preseason favorite in the conference and Southern Cal seems to have lost some motivation after it was decided they would not compete in postseason play this year.
Cal’s outside shooting should neutralize the Trojans’ defense and Jerome Randle’s penetration should be able to set up open shot.
Take Cal for 3 Units.

Stanford at UCLA (-4.5)
The Bruins seem to be a team that is much improved over the past couple of months. They nearly swept their Oregon trip and now come home to face a Stanford team that has lost five straight road games.
Landry Fields is a great talent for the Cardinal, but UCLA’s defense will be a problem for the Stanford offense.
Take UCLA for 4 Units.