Wildcats vs Buffaloes CBB Basketball Spread/Handicapping
Arizona escaped their matchup against Colorado in their PAC 12 opener due to a controversial call so there may be more juice to this one than normally expected.
Arizona escaped their matchup against Colorado in their PAC 12 opener due to a controversial call so there may be more juice to this one than normally expected.
It kind of feels like the Aztecs have fallen off the face of the earth, doesn’t it. They were supposed to be a national player this year but are only 3rd in their own conference right now.
The Wolverines have been a bit of a tease this season. After an impressive win against Ohio State to begin the week they fell at Wisconsin over the weekend.
You just knew that Kentucky was going to become a more dangerous team as the year went on. It has been a staple of Coach Cal’s teams even, if this particular version struggled a little more early on than many expected.
Losses are losses but it should at least be noted that N.C. State’s 4 conference losses are by a total of just 7 points. Losing to Wake Forest was inexcusable this season but the others are acceptable, even if they do bury the Wolfpack in 5th place in the ACC.
Colorado has to be one of the biggest disappointments in the nation. They should have beaten Arizona in their conference opener but when that didn’t go their way they struggled to recover.
Colorado Buffaloes (14-7) vs Oregon Ducks (18-4)
Thursday Feb 7
Matthew Knight Arena – Eugene,, OR
10:00PM
Moneyline: No ML currently listed at Bovada
Spread: Oregon -6
O/U: 136
ATS Matchup Stats | Gambling Insight!
Check out our in-house Handicapper!!! Buy Razor Ray’s CBB Picks Today!
This is a golden opportunity to get some points for beating a ranked Oregon team that is probably not all that great. On the road Colorado has really struggled, even losing @ Utah the last time out.
Talent wise the Buffs are near the top of the league. They have a nice backcourt with Spencer Dinwiddie and Askia Booker and they have one of the best rebounders in the nation in Andre Roberson who averages a double-double. Freshman Josh Scott gives them a presence with his length and is becoming a more reliable scoring option. This team only goes 7 deep so when one of the key players is off they tend to really struggle.
Colorado is another one of those teams I like more than I really should. They surprised last year and I want them to do so again but the talent was better last year. Still they are a dangerous road underdog as they proved at Arizona already this season. With the Ducks wounded there is value there.
The Ducks had a rough trip to Northern California losing at California and Stanford. [ad-6571516]
The losses dropped them into a tie with Arizona for the top spot in the PAC 12 and all the way to #19 in the rankings. Not only are they losing games but they have also lost point guard Dominic Artis to injury. For a team that relies on depth and balance his loss has been critical and you can see it in their recent play.
With Artis in the lineup the Ducks were focused on sharing the ball. All five of their starters averaged between 10 and 11.4 points per game led by guard Damyean Dotson. Sixth man, Arsalan Kazemi was leading in rebounds though – he just seems to have an uncanny knack for finding the ball off the rim. The last couple of games without Artis the offense has been way out of sync as they scored 54 and 52 points.
The Ducks have to decide when they are going to right their current slide. Returning home will help but I think they are going to have a very tough time with Colorado. It is hard to bet Oregon with much confidence right now. I think another upset is coming.
Spread Pick: Colorado +6
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Colorado 77- Oregon 73
The Cardinal are hanging in there in the PAC 12. They have a 5-4 conference record, winning, and losing, mostly when they should. Their best win to date was a home romp against an Oregon team that was ranked 10 at the time, mostly due to the strength of their win against a then undefeated Arizona.
This is a huge one in the Big 12. Both teams are tied for 4th in the conference and looking to secure a spot in the Big Dance. OSU made a huge play by winning at Kansas and now Baylor can do the same by beating the Cowboys. It should be an exciting game in an exciting venue.
The Buckeyes are in the thick of the Big Ten race, hanging out with the Wolverines and the other basketball power from that state in second place.
Illinois is one of a handful of teams that would have liked postseason bids to be handed out in mid December. Since then they have lost 6 times, some good and some not so good, as they struggle to find their level in a very competitive Big Ten Conference.
The Trojans came up with nothing for their trip to the desert but at 3-5 in conference you could argue they are exceeding expectations.
The Terps came out blazing this season but once conference play started it has been a different story. They have dropped 4 out of 7 conference games including at home to these same Seminoles.
Nevada is in the middle of a very competitive Mountain West Conference this season. They are 2-3 but if they can upset their in-state rivals than they will be tied with them in the standings.
The Badgers are always dangerous when you least expect it, especially when they are playing a team that want’s to go up tempo.
The Lobos are good but I don’t think anybody thought they would be leading the Mountain West this season. So far they are undefeated in conference play having already beaten UNLV and looking to get a leg up on San Diego State after this weekend.
This Temple team has no fear. They upset Syracuse at the Carrier Dome and put a scare into Kansas at Lawrence so you know they can hang with pretty much any team in the country.