
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
TEXAS TECH @ HOUSTON (HOU -10.5, 128.5)
TEXAS TECH +10.5
Houston has won 13 straight games. The Cougars are 9-0 in Big 12 play so far this season. Even when teams keep it close against Houston like Kansas did last week, the Cougars find a way to win. A big part of the Cougars success is its defense.
Houston smothers opponents. They lead the nation in scoring defense allowing opponents just 55.3 points per game. If you want to find any success against Houston, you have to be able to create scoring opportunities on the weak side of the defense. Texas Tech can do that.
The Red Raiders spread the floor very well and they are one of the better shooting teams in the country. They rank in top 35 in 2PT, 3PT, and overall FG shooting percentage. Texas Tech scores 81.4 ppg and I don't expect them to reach that tonight. However, I do think they can manufacture enough scoring opportunities to keep this game within double digits.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
GEORGIA @ ALABAMA (BAMA -12.5, 159.5)
MARK SEARS OVER 16.5 POINTS
Alabama has won four straight games and is moving closer to securing a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Georgia just ended a four-game losing streak with a win over lowly South Carolina. The Crimson Tide has owned this series lately. Alabama is 6-1 SU and ATS in the last 7 games against the Bulldogs.
If you are a loyal fan/reader of Coach Rick (much thanks by the way), you know that he is a fan of Alabama G Mark Sears. Sears averages 18 ppg, but we missed on him against LSU last week. That's because Sears was sick and missed most of the game. He didn't score at all, but he did come back and put up 17 in the win over Mississippi State in the Tide's last game.
With Sears' points prop at 16.5, I have to jump on it. He's gone Over this number in 3 of his last 4 games and in 13 of his last 17 games played at home.
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