Don’t look now, but we’re only about a month away from breaking down conference tournament games. We’ve had major success the last two Wednesdays, and tonight lines up as another strong opportunity to stay hot.
Here are a few lines that we’re backing for this slate.
Seton Hall vs. Villanova – Under
These teams combined for 120 points the last time they faced off and all signs point to things staying the same here. Seton Hall is allowing 64.2 points per game, which ranks fourth in the country, and Shaheen Holloway’s squads have played that grind-it-out type of basketball for years. Holloway spent eight years as an assistant under Villanova coach Kevin Willard, so there’s no mystery between these two coaches. The familiarity with each other’s style should lead to a physical game that pushes this matchup towards the under.
Texas A&M vs. Alabama – Alabama to Cover
This is a must-win spot for the Crimson Tide, who have lost four of their last seven games. Alabama ranks third in offensive rating per KenPom; the struggles have come on the defensive end, but the Tide have been better in recent home games. What Bucky McMillan is doing in his first year at Texas A&M is incredible, but this squad is due for some regression and we’ll probably see it down the stretch. Facing off with Alabama in Tuscaloosa will be the toughest test of the season for A&M. They’re also scoring 97.7 points per game at home compared to 82.1 on the road. Three of their four losses have also come away from home.
San Diego vs. Saint Mary’s – San Diego Team Total Under
Coming off a tough loss to rival Gonzaga, Randy Bennett should have his Saint Mary’s squad tuned up for this one. The Gaels are allowing 65.9 points per game, which is the 15th best in the country. San Diego’s totals look higher than normal of late, but they’ve played two overtime games where the extra periods added a combined 64 points. It’d be shocking if Saint Mary’s allowed this one to get to overtime, as there’s a good chance that Bennett’s guys are dialed in for this matchup from start to finish.
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